Raymond L. Handrick, 94, of Burlington, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Oak Park Place.
Born on September 29, 1931, in Stratford, Wisconsin, Ray was the beloved son of Louis and Rose (née Kamenick) Handrick. He grew up in Stratford, where he spent his
early years helping alongside his siblings, picking raspberries, setting pins at the town bowling alley, and loving the rhythms of small-town life.
While home from Seminary School, Ray was set up on a blind date with Maxine Ziegal, whom he met through his sister Donna. From that day forward, a lasting connection was made, ultimately leading to a joyful union of marriage on June 4, 1952. The two shared good times together at the local dance hall with family and friends. Together, they built a loving home and raised three children, eventually settling on the ChrisMar Mink Ranch located in Wauconda, Illinois, for nearly a decade. The family then relocated to Barrington, Illinois, where Ray worked in the Dairy Barn on the Quaker Oats Research Farm. During these years, Ray made lasting friendships with members of the St. Anne’s Church community, and together with Maxine hosted memorable celebrations with their friends.
In 1972, Ray and Maxine returned to Wisconsin, while both working and commuting to the Quaker Oats Corporate Office in Barrington, Illinois. Years later, the two would eventually find lasting residence in Burlington, which became their home for nearly 50 years.
Ray lived a life rooted in community and service. He shared his voice in the church choir, stayed active at the local Wellness Center, and gave his time delivering Meals on Wheels. A devoted member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Waterford, he found joy in simple pleasures—golfing, traveling, listening to lively polka music, and attending local festivals, especially Milwaukee’s Great Circus Parade. He looked forward each year to the Walworth County Fair, where the draft horse competitions were a favorite tradition.
Ray also cherished time with family, often making the drive to the West Coast to visit loved ones and embracing summer camping trips. For several years, he and Max
kept a camper in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, where they formed lasting friendships and cheered on their beloved Green Bay Packers.
Above all, Ray will be remembered for his warm spirit, compassion, and gift of his time for anyone needing a helping hand. Whether sharing a hilarious story, a lighthearted (often goofy) joke, or delighting others with his Donald Duck impression, he had a way of bringing smiles and laughter wherever he went.
Ray is survived by his wife, Maxine; children, Dennis Handrick, Reyne (Clark) Rollman, and Terre (Bob Miller) Banks; grandchildren, Chrysalis (Lexi) Handrick-Jones, Brendan Forkin, Meghan Weissenborn, Lisia (Leland Abide) Rollman, Kensli Rollman, Heather (Scott Palmer) Banks, and Hayley Banks; and great-grandchildren, Logan Palmer, Norah Weissenborn and Arin Handrick-Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Adelaide (Ralph) Kilian, Vernon Handrick, Donald Patrick Handrick, Winnie (Dan) Nigbur, Donna (Joe) Arbelovsky, Weinand (Mary) Handrick, Carol (Don) Falkowski, Mary Handrick, and Joann (Bob) Syring; along with two infant siblings.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Oak Park Place and St. Croix Hospice for their care during this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests condolences only.
A private burial will be held at a later date at St. Thomas
Catholic Cemetery in Waterford.
