Raymond (Ray) E. Moritz passed away September 15, 2026, at Columbus Community Hospital. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, and funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 24 all at McKown Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Columbus Cemetery.

Ray, the son of Joseph and Clara (Wandro) Moritz, was born November 28, 1927, in rural Krakow, Nebraska. He attended a District rural school and Sts. Peter and Paul Elementary School in Krakow, Nebraska.

Ray married Rose M. Sempek, November 6, 1951, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Genoa, Nebraska. Ray and Rose have three children, Robert, June and Audrey.

Over the years Ray was employed by Columbus Laundry, Jackson Laundry and Dry Cleaners, Behlen Mfg., D & L Mfg., and Kosch Mfg. During retirement he worked part time for Frito Lay, and Sara Lee Metz Bakery.

Ray is a member of Victory Christian Fellowship and was instrumental in building the current worship center.

Over the years Ray enjoyed home improvement projects, gardening and yard work, carpentry, cutting firewood, working on automobiles, polka music and reading the Bible.

Ray is survived by

Son Robert, wife LuAnn

Grandson Brian, wife Rebekah, great-grandsons Henry and Hayden

Grandson Bruce, wife Lisa, great-grandson Anderson

Daughter June, husband Loren Wondercheck

Daughter Audrey

Sister Rose (Richard) Sloup, sister-in-law Dorothea Sempek

He was preceded in death by

Wife Rose M. Moritz

Parents Joseph and Clara Moritz

Parent In-Laws Carl and Theodosia Sempek

Siblings, Frances (Ben) Jarecki, Loretta (Steve) Reina, Stella (Louie) Skibinski, Theresa (Paul) Kresha, Zigmund (Rita) Moritz, Sophie (Jerry) Kresl,

Brother and Sister in-laws Don McDermott, Edward (Genevieve) Sempek, Frances (John) Ziemba, Angeline (Martin) Placzek, Bernice (Leonard) Drozd, Joe (Inez) Sempek, Mary Ann (Joe) Smyth, Steve Sempek, Delores Sempek