Mr. Raymond Francis Gottsacker

Gottsacker, Raymond Francis God came for Ray, age 94, on the morning of July 29, 2018. He left this world peacefully, comfortably and with family nearby. He was born on November 17, 1923, in Sheboygan, Wis. He attended Saint Lawrence Seminary High School in Mount Calvary, Wis., where he was awarded a diploma in 1940. After completing military service, he attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where, in 1948, he received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. Ray was a registered professional engineer – and proud of it. The majority of his career was at Honeywell, where, as a principal production engineer, he worked on highly classified projects for the U.S. government. He served as president of the Minnesota Federation of Engineering Societies and as president of the Honeywell Engineers Club. He held four patents. Ray wore little on his sleeve. Self-effacing and not loquacious, he’d give you his opinion, but generally, you’d need to ask for it. He was fair but could be tough, though almost always with the objective of correcting juvenile behavior, defending the little guy or righting an injustice. He capably handled the Herculean task of raising six children – all of whom always had food, shelter, encouragement and an excellent role model. His preferred method of transport was a green convertible with a white top, which he was often left to admire as one of his kids drove off in it. Ray’s most valued relationship was with Carolyn, his wife of 70 years, whom he truly cherished. In 1988, he wrote and had published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Valentine’s Day a 500-word love letter to her in which he proclaimed “a bride is a promise fulfilled, but a wife is a promise fulfilled over and over and over and over again.” His attention to and love for her provided an unwavering good example for his five sons. Ray was a WWII veteran, wounded at the Battle of the Bulge, for which he received a Purple Heart. He also was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and two Bronze Stars. He is survived by his wife Carolyn (née Kotnik); daughter Mary Johnson (Barry); sons Greg, Mark (Betty), Michael (Patty Schulz) and Steve; five grandchildren and a great grandson. He is preceded in death by his son, Philip. “The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night It came again with a great wakening light. And showed the names whom love of God had blest, And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.” A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina, MN 55436 on Thursday, August 2nd at 11:00 AM. Visitation 1 hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Mayo Clinic Alzheimer Research Center. www.philanthropy.mayoclinic.org

Tributes

Mr. Raymond Francis Gottsacker

November 17, 1923 - July 29, 2018

Tributes

Mr. Raymond Francis Gottsacker

November 17, 1923 - July 29, 2018

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