Raymond A. Last

Raymond A. Last, 69, of Oshkosh died Monday, November 17, 2008 at Oakwood Manor. He was born July 2, 1939 in Oshkosh, the son of Raymond M. and Amber Meyer Last. As a young teenager Ray dearly loved being a Boy Scout in the Twin Lakes area. He also helped his father build, literally brick by brick, a newly founded family business, Sterling Gardens. In 1957, he joined the National Guard where he was proud to serve his country. In 1959, Ray married Janet Harron. Handy by nature, Ray, with the help of many dear friends, built their home where they raised five children, Raymond, John, Michael, Kay and Kim. Having followed in his fathers footsteps as a florist, he once again put his handy work to use as he, with the help of his sons, renovated a car wash into the new Sterling Gardens retail store on Main Street. The business continued to blossom as Ray, now owner of the business, loved visiting with his customers and meeting people. In 1988, Ray married Cheryl Paulson with whom he raised his fourth son, Adam, and stepdaughter, Rebecca. Never one to be idle, he enthusiastically expanded his retail floral business by providing a landscape service where he could use his knowledge of plants and flowers as well as make use of his eye for design.Ray truly enjoyed outdoor activities, be it working in the garden on the hottest of summer days or deer hunting in the coldest of Wisconsin winters. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, and watching his beloved Green Bay Packers. After suffering a trauma in 1998, Ray lived at Oakwood Manor, where the staff allowed him as much independence as was possible given the circumstances. Ray enjoyed bringing smiles and laughter to his family and friends (never having been afraid of the occasional practical joke). It is this way that we choose to remember him. He was forever thankful to his friends and family who visited him throughout the later years. His survivors include two daughters, Kay (Rich) Stille and Kim (Brad) Brown both of Oshkosh; four sons, Raymond C. (Wendy) Last of St. Louis. MO, John (Julie) Last of Oshkosh, Michael (Amy)Last of Fort Atkinson, and Adam Last of Oshkosh; one step-daughter, Rebecca (Troy) Peppler of Oshkosh; two sisters Jeanne Lewellyn and Carol (Russ) Frank both of Oshkosh; and twelve grandchildren, Paul, Daniel, Elizabeth, Michelle, Joshua, Megan, and Keon Last, Jamie, Richie, and Sean Stille, Ryan and Jack Brown. Ray is also survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law, Ronnie Lewellyn. A funeral service for Ray will be held Friday, November 21, 2008 at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Westside with Rev. Tom Reynebeau officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday at the Lake Pointe Dr. funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Burial will be in Lake View Memorial Park. Thank you to Oakwood Manor and his caregivers for watching over Ray. A memorial is being established in Rays name

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Friday, November 21, 2008
10 a.m until service



Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside



100 Lake Pointe Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Friday, November 21, 2008
1 p.m.



Lake View Memorial Park



2786 Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901