May 24, 2025 – Adell, WI – After a rich and meaningful life, Raymond Andrew Last passed away on May 5, 2025, at his home in Adell, Wisconsin with his wife by his side.
Ray was born on April 6, 1950, to parents Harvey Last and Cecelia Kulczyski of Grafton, Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Doreen Last and brother, Donald Last. Ray is lovingly remembered by his three children, whom he shared with Susan Paisley: Sam (Jami) Last, Caity (Angel) Martinez, and Taylor (Alisha) Last. He had eight grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Logan, Kenna, Liam, Nina, Felipe, Rylie, Harper, and Beckett.
Ray graduated from Grafton High School in 1968. When he was 14, his dad gifted him his first guitar, his beloved red double cutaway Harmony electric guitar, and the rest is history. He played in several rock and roll bands in high school and was well known for his role as guitarist and vocalist in Misery Sons.
He moved to New York in 1970 and the following year, he made his way to California. From there, he wandered around the states and even Canada, living the hippie life. At certain times, he even lived in a tipi that he hand-sewed himself. He returned to Wisconsin in 1975 and formed the band Footch Kapoot. Their album “Good Clean Fun” was released in 1978.
Later in life, Ray released an autobiography titled “Wandering: My Pursuit of God and Music” detailing his adventures from the 1960s and 1970s.
In 1979, Ray received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. The trajectory of his life was changed, and all future endeavors reflected the new life he had been given in Christ. He was a talented songwriter and musician, and words and melodies came to him easily and often.
He released three Christian CDs from 2006-2013. Ray spent many years ministering at senior living communities through song and messages. He was also known in the community for his piano tuning business of 46 years, “Ray Last Pianos (With a Smile).” In 2012, he took a literal leap of faith and traveled solo to India to share the Gospel. During the next 8 years, he took 12 international trips, 8 of which were to India. Ray was welcomed and well-loved by the people he ministered to in India and other South Asian countries.
Ray cared deeply for his children, and they will remember him for his quirky sense of humor, the cherished memories he created with them, and his vibrant and colorful stories. He enjoyed the time he had with his eight grandchildren. He was a playful and attentive grandpa, affectionately known by his grandchildren as “Papa Ray.” He spent the last 12 years of his life married to Doreen. Though they met each other later in life, they created a lifetime of memories.
They complimented each other well and shared a deep love for Jesus Christ. His children will always be thankful for the gentle and devoted care that Doreen gave him as he neared the end of his life. In his last days, Ray made sure that those who visited him knew that he was excited and ready to be with Jesus.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at City Church in Sheboygan at 2313 N. 31st Street. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a service beginning at 11:00 AM. The service will include time for anyone to share memories they have of Ray.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Wittkopp location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
