Obituary: Raymond E. "Ray" Gloe - Class of 1947

MADISON/ FORT MYERS, FLA. - Raymond E. "Ray" Gloe, age 79, of Madison and Fort Myers, Fla., died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center. He was born on Aug. 19, 1929, in Two Rivers, the son of Edward and Clara (Geerdts) Gloe. Ray graduated from Madison Central High School in 1947 and later attended Madison Business College. He married Betty Gruber in 1950. She preceded him in death in 1974. Ray served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and in later years, was a past commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7591 on Cottage Grove Road, where he was active for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed the friendships he had there. Ray was employed by Dairy Equipment for a number of years before joining Allstate Insurance, where he retired after 33 years as a senior agent. He served as president of the Monona Lions Club at one time and was instrumental in acquiring the Jaws of Life for the Monona Fire Department. Ray enjoyed many years of fishing, hunting, and golfing with family and friends. He is survived by his current wife, Shirley (Pogue) Gloe; his sons, Rick (Connie) Gloe of Green Bay and Ron (Sue) Gloe of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Cory, Ryan, Casey, Cal, Mandy and Jenny; a sister, Beatrice Keikbusch; two nephews, Steve and Dave; and a niece, Mary. Ray also leaves behind four step-children, John (Marianne) Pogue, Dan (Joni) Pogue, Lori Seals and Leslie (Jack) Herbrand; as well as their children and grandchildren. He was dearly loved by all of them. Most of all, Ray's greatest commitment in life was to Jesus Christ, his personal savior. He loved his church, Capitoland Christian Center and the many friends and extended family he had there. Ray was preceded in death by his wives, Betty and Beverly Hovey Gloe; his parents; and a grandson, Sean. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, with the Rev. Hermsmeier presiding. Military rites will be conducted. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a pass in review at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. The family suggests memorials may be made to Capitoland Christian Center or HospiceCare Inc. Ray will be missed by all the family and friends he left behind. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 17, 2008