June 10, 2021 at 2:48 p.m.
Ray G. Toburen
Ray G. Toburen
For all practical purposes, Ray G. Toburen, lived to be 100. He talked a lot about reaching that milestone in order to be featured on a Smucker’s jar of strawberry jam — a Today Show birthday tribute. We celebrated early as a contingency plan, with his own jam jar, on his 95th birthday.
Ray was born to Gustav and Anna (Manske) on Sept. 2, 1923, in Wausau. His mother died when he was seven and his father remarried Elizabeth. It sure seemed as if Ray was born with a camera in his hands. His dad and brother, Clarence, were photographers and Toburen Studio was in business in Wausau for more than 80 years. Ray was first an apprentice to his father and then bought the business (at no discount, he would often remind those listening).
Ray graduated from Wausau High School in 1943 and went into World War II before his commencement ceremony. He proudly served in the U. S. Army Air Force from 1943-1945 as a sergeant and member of the Photo Reconnaissance Division. His primary role was taking, developing and printing pictures for conducting bomb damage assessment. He continued in the reserves, starting in 1948, and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1952.
After photographing two weddings for others, Ray married Doree Lange in an evening ceremony on May 10, 1952. He and his family lived above the studio and camera store. The building stood on Jackson Street from 1913 to 1981.
Ray was a lifetime member of the Wausau Elks Club, a member of the Wausau Lions Club, VFW and American Legion. He was a Red Cross instructor and member of the Rib Mountain ski patrol, and an alderman/supervisor for the City of Wausau and Marathon County. He was also a member of the Professional Photographers Association of America and many other photographic societies and organizations.
Ray’s life was well-lived — overflowing with kindness, humor, learning and stories.
A few favorites include: carrying Amelia Earhart’s bags for her when she was in town to give away trees and meeting Edwin Land who told him that he was inventing a camera that would take instant pictures (the Polaroid). He loved sharing war stories such as sending a group of men home for Christmas even though he didn’t have the authorization. He always tried to offer a hand up to those around him.
Owning the camera store and studio, Ray loved taking pictures and teaching others how to take pictures and to love it as much as he did. He was a certified photographic counselor and taught photography classes.
During his life, he photographed both celebrities and presidents, but most importantly, he captured special milestone moments for thousands and thousands of families in the Wausau area — high school portraits, weddings, families, confirmations and more.
And at a time when customer service was so important Ray didn’t think twice about helping someone whose projector bulb blew out on Christmas morning, “Sure, come on down, I’ve got one for you.”
Ray spent his entire life taking trips to the Northwoods with his dad. In 1958 he had a cottage built for his own family, and after “retiring,” lived with Doree in Hazelhurst full time until he was 95.
He loved a good game of Farkle, singing, walking in the woods, fishing, and canoeing. He was a fixture at the Nook ’n Cranny flea market, teaching shoppers about cameras, photography, the war and life in general.
Ray is survived by his daughter, Amy; and special nieces and nephews. He was grateful for his niece, Anne; and friends, Sparky, Renee, Tom, Jane, Michael, Martha, Ann, Mary, Gerry, Ann and Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother; two older brothers, Clarence and Leon; and his wife of 54 years, and best friend, Doree, who died in 2006.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be gifted in Ray’s name to Badger Honor Flight, P.O. Box 258066, Madison, WI, 53725 (badgerhonorflight.org) and the Ice Age Trail Alliance, P.O. Box 128, 2110 Main Street, Cross Plains, WI 53528 (iceagetrail.org), both of which brought joy to him and many others.
A special thank you for the compassionate care of the staff at Milestone Senior Living in Cross Plains and Heartland Country Village in Black Earth.
Ray embraced producer Norman Lear’s thoughts, “When thinking about death, I don’t mind the going. It’s the leaving that is the problem for me.”
We remember Ray from his favorite bible verse, John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
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