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Obituary

Raymond "Pat" Padratzik, 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Ray was born in Benld, Ill., on August 10, 1914, to Abe Louis Padratzik and Rika Tina Wilkin.

Ray married Ida Bernice Warren, with whom he had a daughter, Carole, and son, Thomas. In 1969, Ray married his present wife, Carolyn Louise Hanson Bruno. They were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Kristina Rachel. Carolyn had three sons, Robert, Steven and Richard, from a previous marriage. They were blessed with10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Ray was raised in Joliet, Ill., and graduated from Joliet Junior College with a degree in engineering. He worked for Curtis Aviation in Detroit during WWII. In 1954, he moved to Las Vegas, where he owned and operated a laundry business servicing hotel guests and entertainers. In 1974, Ray and Carolyn moved to St. George, where they built the first house in Bloomington Hills. Ray managed United Mortgage for 13 years, retiring in 1987. He then sold real estate for Ence Realty until finally retiring at the "young" age of 87.

Ray served three years on the board of directors of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce and as president in 1978. He helped organize and was a charter member of the Dixie Sunshiners, a member of the St. George Noon Exchange Club, and served on the board of directors and as president, 1977-78. He was a member of the Dixie Colonels for 30 years and the Elks Club for 13 years. Ray served as chairman of Washington County Citizens for Decency. He was a director of the Washington County School District Foundation and active in the Sterling Scholar Program. He was a charter member of the Dixie Regional Medical Center Foundation; and after serving 17 years was made an Emeritus member of the Foundation. He served as chairman of the Washington County Cancer Drive and was active in Republican Party politics. Ray was a member of the Bloomington Country Club for 26 years and had a great love for golf. He was honored as 1993 St. George Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year.

Ray served in many church callings including counselor in the Sunday School leadership and Deacons Quorum Advisor, presidency of the Young Men’s Organization, counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency, 12th Ward Sunday School President, and High Council of the St. George East Stake. He served as first counselor in the 16th Ward Bishopric, High Council of the Dixie College Stake, Bloomington Hills Stake Auditor, Ward Employment Specialist and in the leadership of several High Priest Groups. He served as Boy Scout Council chairman and worked with the Cub Scouts.

Ray always gave of himself to family and others, showing his love by his service to others. Service and his love for all sports, especially golf and fishing, kept him very busy. He was known by family and professional associates as a man of unquestionable integrity.

Ray is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of St. George, and children: Carole Wendel, of St. George; Kristi Lasson (Robert), of St. George; Robert Bruno, of Santa Clara; Steven Bruno (Davine), of Montrose, Colo.; Richard Bruno, of Reno, Nev.; and eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Thomas; a son-in-law, Ted Wendel; a grandson, Terry Wendel; and a grandson, Cody Bruno.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the St. James Chapel, 1095 E. St. James Lane. Friends may visit Friday, Oct. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary and again Saturday, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the Chapel.

 Interment will take place in the St. George Tonaquint Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dixie Regional Medical Center Foundation, 1380 E. Medical Center Dr., St. George, UT 84790, in the name of Raymond Padratzik.

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