Obit: Wiersig, Raymond C. (1919 - 2005)

Contact: History Buffs

Surnames: Wiersig, Richter, Dins, Wertheimer

----Sources: Herald Times Reporter (Manitowoc, Manitowoc County, Wis.) April 6, 2005

Wiersig, Raymond C. (27 July 1919 - 3 Apr. 2005)

Ray Wiersig, age 85, a resident of Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, Manitowoc, formerly of 3207 Adams St. Two Rivers, died early Sunday, April 3, 2005 at Shady Lane Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2005 at Calvary Lutheran Church, Two Rivers. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Kay S. Richter, with entombment to follow in Knollwood Chapel Mausoleum, Hwy. 310, Manitowoc.

Ray was born July 27, 1919 at Colby, Wis., a son of the late Walter and Amelia (Dins) Wiersig. He was a 1937 graduate of Colby, Wis. High School, and furthered his education at the Stevens Point State Teachers College, where he earned a degree in education in 1940. On Nov. 5, 1946, he married Mary W. Wertheimer in Watertown. She preceded him in death Feb. 11, 1998.

Mr. Wiersig was well known as a coach of high school sports. His first coaching positions coming as head basketball coach at Argonne and Pardeeville. In 1943, he became head football, basketball and baseball coach at Sparta High School, where he coached for two years, until accepting the head coaching positions of the same sports at Algoma High School in 1945. In the fall of 1947, he became head football coach of the Two Rivers Raiders. Along with football coaching, Ray also coached the baseball team, tennis team and freshman basketball. Mr. Wiersig also taught mathematics at Pardeeville, Algoma, and Two Rivers High School. In 1952, he left the teaching and coaching staff, and purchased the C. Schlei Dray Line of Manitowoc, which he operated until retiring in 1983. Ray was an avid baseball player and played minor league ball for a short time. He also refereed both football and basketball for many years. He was an avid golfer and one of the founding members of Branch River Country Club, as well as past president of the country club. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing, watching all sports and was an avid CUBS fan. He was a longtime Packer backer and season ticket holder; longtime member of the Two Rivers Elks Lodge #1380; and past member of the Board of Directors for the Bank of Two Rivers, presently, U.S. Bank.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law: Jim and Chris Wiersig, Los Altos, Calif.; one daughter and son-in-law: Ann and Larry Gordon, Franklin, Ind.; and four grandchildren: Douglas and William Wiersig; and Ben and Katie Gordon. He is further survived by two brothers and sisters-in-law: Dr. Donald (Bonnie) Wiersig, Bryan, Texas; Len (Ginni) Wiersig, San Diego, Calif.; one sister: Erma Johnson, Chicago, Ill.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife; one brother: Art Wiersig; and one sister: Evelyn Kobs.

Relatives and friends may call at Calvary Lutheran Church after 10 a.m. on Friday until the time of service at 11 a.m. There will be no Thursday evening visitation.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Wiersig family with funeral arrangements.