Raymond L. St. Ores, age 88 of Hudson WI, died on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond WI. Ray was born July 6, 1924 in Hudson, WI to parents Rufus and Olga (Hough) St. Ores. Ray grew up in Hudson, and graduated from Hudson High School. After high school, Ray proudly served his country during WWII in the European Theater with the United States Army Air Corps. He would be united in marriage to Joan McDonald on December 26, 1946. Their union in marriage would be blessed with a son, Jeff.

After WWII, Ray went to UW-Madison, where he learned from some of the best ecologists and environmentalists in the world, including Aldo Leopold, considered the “Father of Modern Game Management”. Ray earned his degree in Wildlife Biology, and began working with the National Wildlife Refuges Management in the 1950‘s for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Ray also became active in, and served as the president of, the International Trumpeter Swan Society. His life’s work revolved around wetlands, waterfowl, and the environment.

Outside of work, Ray enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was active in many areas in his community of Hudson, as well. He volunteered and served as president of the Phipps Center for the Arts, sang in the St. Patrick’s Church Choir and was chorus director of the St. Croix Valley Barber-shoppers, past-president of the Catholic PTA, and also served on the Hudson Park Board.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his beloved dog, Angus; and four brothers, Rufus “Irv”, Alan, Eugene, and John “Jack” St. Ores. Ray is survived by his son, Jeff; brother, Dale (Carol) St. Ores; sister, Muriel Thorson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Raymond L. St. Ores will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine Street, Hudson WI, with Rev. Fr. Patrick McDonnell officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00AM, and be held two hours prior to services at the church. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell FamilyFuneral Home of Hudson WI, and the O’Connell’s Countryside Crematory. 715-386-3725