Ray Monka

Ray Monka, age 85, lifetime resident of Two Rivers, died early Thursday morning, November 7, 2024 at the Hamilton Care Center, Two Rivers.

Ray was born in Two Rivers on January 19, 1939 to Raymond L. and Dorothy (Bagniewski) Monka. His mother died when Ray was only 3. He attended St. Luke's Grade School and played on their basketball team. He also attended Washington High School. Ray worked for Manitowoc Shipbuilding for 40 years, retiring in 1999. After retirement he also worked part-time for Susie Q Fish Company. He was a longtime member of West Shore Sportsmen's Club - Lawn Care Crew;  Rogers Street Fishing Village; Two Rivers Senior Center; St. Peter the Fisherman Parish; and the February Club. He was a former Charter Boat Captain of the Snowball Charters, and enjoyed playing cards with the Tuesday Sheepshead group. Ray was also a member of the Two Rivers Community Gardens. He was an avid fisherman; enjoyed hunting; loved the outdoors; and the time spent up north.

Survivors include his three children: Pete Monka, Lynn Miller, and Paul Monka, all of Two Rivers; two grandchildren: Mark Miller and Matthew Richmond; and three great-grandchildren: Trevor, Jack, and Maliha. He is further survived by one sister & brother-in-law, Marilee (Dean) Hirvela of Two Rivers; the mother of his children, Dorothy (Vogel) Monka; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond L. and Dorothy Monka; his step-mother, Elaine Monka; and a sister, Celeste "Sally" Letterman.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2024 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd., Two Rivers. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier, with burial to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Two Rivers.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church Thursday morning from 9:00 until 10:15 a.m. There will be no Wednesday evening visitation.

The funeral service will be live streamed on the St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church website or St. Peter the Fisherman Facebook page.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

The Monka family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful nursing staff at the Hamilton Care Center, and the caregivers of Aurora at Home Hospice for the compassionate care and support extended to Ray and our family.