Raymond Lewis Edelstein

Raymond Lewis Edelstein, age 69, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2023. Ray was the son of Lawrence Edelstein and Jean (Klein) Edelstein. Ray grew up in Milwaukee and was a graduate of Custer High School, Class of 1972, where he met his future wife, Janice Thompson. Ray graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1976, and University of Tulsa Law School in 1980.

Ray feverishly practiced law for more than 40 years. Ray was the former District Attorney of LeFlore and Latimer Counties in the State of Oklahoma, where he prosecuted all manner of crimes against the community. After serving as DA, he was an Assistant Attorney General of the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office where he specialized in Grand Jury investigations and was cross-deputized to manage federal and state drug prosecutions. Ray was the recipient of the 1988 Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year from the Oklahoma Wildlife Federation for the thorough prosecution of wildlife poaching. After moving back to Wisconsin in 1991, Ray was a successful attorney based in Oshkosh, known for his attention to detail and commitment to his clients. Ray was known for his distinctive style in court, while always holding his trusted position as attorney and counselor of law in the highest regard.

Ray’s passion in the practice of law was always second to his love and attention to his family. In 1979, Ray was united in marriage to Janice; their marriage was blessed with three children. Ray was always proud of his children, their spouses, and grandchildren and it was his joy to watch them grow. Ray was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys and friends, also camping and exploring with the Boy Scouts of America – Troop 607. He was well traveled in Europe, Alaska, Canada, Africa, but spending time at his grandfather’s cottage near Land O’ Lakes was always his favorite destination. Ray enjoyed sharing ‘up north’ with all his kids and grandkids.

Ray remained loyal and grateful for his lifelong friends whom he loved dearly. He will be remembered for his quick wit, desire for the pursuit of justice, and immense love for his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janice; his children: Joseph (Jennie), Douglas (Megan), and Julie (Josh); grandsons: AJ, Greyson, Zachary; and granddaughters: Hannah and Addison.

A service will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home, 100 Lake Pointe Drive, Oshkosh, WI. Visitation will take place on Tuesday at the funeral home from 9:30 am until the time of service. Ray will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Oshkosh.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations made to a charity of your choice.