Raymond Eugene Wesolowski

Born April 17, 1929, to Joseph and Catherine Matuszak Wesolowski, Ray grew up in South Bend, graduating from South Bend Central High School in 1947 where he excelled as catcher on a local fast-pitch softball team. Softball and playing clarinet and saxophone in a local Polish band were favorite pastimes as a young man in South Bend. In 1951 he answered his country's call, serving two years in the United States Army. He often joked that his assignment in El Paso was to make sure "no North Koreans crossed the Rio Grande."

After his military service, Ray began a career with Indiana Bell that spanned more than three decades. He started climbing telephone poles in South Bend and, through hard work and determination, advanced to become a data systems analyst after moving to Indianapolis in the early 1960s. He never lost the curiosity and mechanical intuition that served him well throughout his life. Whether it was a household appliance, a camper or a car, if Ray couldn't fix it, it couldn't be fixed.

The greatest joy of Ray's life was his family. He and his beloved wife, Linda, recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary by sharing a banana split, just as they had done every year since their honeymoon. They built a life together grounded in love and unwavering devotion. Together they were active members of College Park Church.

Ray bowled and played tennis in Indiana Bell work leagues, but golf was his real passion. Only a stroke at age 88 ended his weekly golf games. But that didn’t stop him giving coaching tips to his grandsons on the driving range. Watching Notre Dame football was a source of much enjoyment and occasional frustration for his entire life. He also loved fishing, starting with fishing with his father as a young boy off the pier in Michigan City, and later in South Haven, MI, with his grandchildren. Another favorite pastime was playing euchre where he excelled at winning frequently and enjoyed seeing how many times he could “steal the deal” because the other players were distracted with conversation. He spent many enjoyable vacations in South Haven and DisneyWorld with family as well as game nights playing euchre with family and friends. Ray was proud of his Polish heritage and loved a simple dinner of pierogi and kielbasa from a Polish deli in South Bend.

What people will remember most about Ray was his kindness, sense of humor and loving nature. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend whose quiet generosity spoke louder than words. He never sought attention, but he was always there when someone needed help. His steady presence, gentle humor, and dependable nature made those around him feel cared for and safe.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda Evens Wesolowski; his children, Raymond Elliott (wife Jayne), Timothy Michael (wife Debbie), Rachel Claire McInerney (husband Jeff McInerney), and Stephanie Carrie Bingel (husband Kyle Bingel); and his eleven grandchildren: Scott and Austin Wesolowski, Allee Etheridge, David Wesolowski, Brandon and Blake Woodard, Noah, Micah, Olivia, Joshua, and Hannah Bingel and one great granddaughter, Avery Wesolowski. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rosemary Neal Wesolowski, his parents, Joseph and Catherine Wesolowski, and by his brothers, Ervin and Clarence. All three sons of Joseph and Catherine Wesolowski served their country in the armed forces, whose photos Ray posted on Facebook every Veterans Day.

Ray will be remembered for his kindness, his quick wit, and the great enjoyment he found in spending time with his family.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at College Park Church, with a celebration of Ray's life beginning at 11:00 a.m.