Stephen L. Ray

A private family service and interment for Stephen L. Ray, 76, Norfolk will be held at a later date. As was Steve's wish, he will be buried in the family plot at Crown Hill Cemetery in Madison, next to his parents, his sister, and brother. Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.

He passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.

Stephen was born on September 6, 1942 to Burt Ray Jr. and Mable Ray. He attended school in Madison, graduating with the Madison High School Class of 1961. After graduation, Steve worked in Madison until he was drafted into military service on February 24, 1964. Steve served two years in the U.S. Army spending time fighting for his country in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge on February 11, 1966 from the Army, Steve worked in Madison for the police department and was a volunteer member of the Madison Rescue Unit. He moved to West Point, NE in 1970 where he worked as a security guard for IBP for 32 years. During that time, he was diagnosed with neck cancer from Agent Orange during his Vietnam service. Steve retired from his job in 2002 at IBP. Throat and neck cancer once again was diagnosed in 2007 and he won his second bout against the cancer. Steve continued to live in West Point until January 2018 when he moved into the Veteran's Home in Norfolk to be closer to his family. His third round of cancer was found in October 2018. He passed away from complications on June 26, 2019 at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk.

Stephen's parents, his sister Judy, and his brother Frank preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother, David Ray (Cheryl) of Norfolk, his sister, Jean Bredehoft (Steve) of Meadow Grove, and his sister, Jane Lewis (Jim) of Madison, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

 Service Information