Raymond Delos Cole

Ray was born Feb. 11, 1929 in Lawler, IA to parents Charles and Anna Cole (Buss). The family moved to Dubuque, IA when Ray was in Junior High School and he graduated from Dubuque Senior in 1947. Shortly after high school Ray began work at Caradco Window Manufacturing in Dubuque.

In 1965, Ray began a 20-year career at John Deere Tractor Works as a machinist, where he became a Machine Maintenance Supervisor, until his retirement in 1985. In 1995, Ray moved to Sun City Arizona, where he spent most of his retirement years.

Ray was a lifelong, accomplished athlete, running track in high school, and playing softball, golF and bowling well into his retirement. He also managed several men’s and women’s softball teams for many years.

Ray enjoyed music and enjoyed singing in Barbershop Quartets and church choirs throughout his life.

Ray’s faith was an important part of his life, and he was an active member of the Catholic Parishes he belonged to throughout his life.

Ray married Elizabeth Jane (BJ) Mueller in 1949. To this union 5 children were born, The couple later divorced.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Charlotte Fisher,Lucille Gardner, Charles Cole, Betty Fondell, Marian Stone and his children Mary Beth Cole, Mark Cole and Mike Cole.

He is survived by his daughter, Janice Schultz (Dave), Dubuque IA, and Kevin Cole (Patty), Minneapolis, MN, 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Sorrows, Priory and Catholic Parish, Phoenix, AZ on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10 AM with rosary at 9:30 AM. Burial following at 12 PM, Sunland Memorial Park and Mortuary, Sun City, AZ.