Obituary of Raymond Trusky

Raymond was born on July 23, 1947, in Waukegan, IL. He was 76 years of age when he passed from this life to his eternal home on September 12, 2023. He was predeceased by his father, Francis J. Trusky, and his mother, Viola (Carlson) Trusky, on June 10, 2001, and November 10, 2001, respectively. He is survived by his two brothers, Francis J. Trusky, Jr., Antigo, WI, and Dale C. Trusky, Winthrop Harbor, IL; his wife, Sandra K. Trusky (McDonald), Winthrop Harbor, IL; his son, Phillip M. (Kathryn “Katie”) Trusky, and his grandson, Charles “Charlie” Raymond Trusky, Puyallup, Washington, as well as many nieces and nephews.

During his elementary and secondary education, he attended Waukegan Public Schools. He graduated from Waukegan High School in 1965. Ray’s continuing educational pursuits included attendance at the Sherwood Conservatory of Music in Chicago, IL, and Gateway Technical Institute, Kenosha, WI, where he pursued a degree in accounting. Upon completion of his studies at Gateway, he was offered a position at J.I. Case, Racine, WI. During his employment with Case, he enrolled at Carthage College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Accounting and Finance. He was conferred the Honor of Magna Cum Laude upon graduation. The second half of his career was with Pactiv Corporation, Lake Forest, IL, serving as the Finance Manager of Capital Expenditures. His career spanned 40 years and he retired from Pactiv in December 2010.

In 1968, he and his best buddies formed a band called the Scotch Lads. The band grew in popularity and demand, and it was an integral part of his life, as well as a constant source of joy. He was introduced at performances as, “The Dynamic and Soulful Ray Trusky,” on the drums. In addition, he sang tenor and doubled on the trombone. The Scotch Lads became the premier band of Lake County, IL, performing a vast array of genres of music and for all types of events and occasions.

Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Armed Forces, specifically in the Army Reserves for six years. He directed an 18-piece band at the direction and pleasure of his superiors.

In his spare time, Ray loved riding his Harley! He fell in love with Harley Davidson motorcycles. He purchased his first bike, a Custom Softail in 1989. He was a born leader and he enjoyed organizing and participating in the group’s activities, as well as fundraising efforts with the local Harley Owners Group (HOG). He was instrumental in undertaking steps to incorporate the group as a bona fide Chapter, which is affiliated with Lake Shore Harley Davidson, Lake Bluff, IL. Ray was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kenosha, WI, and he was involved in many facets of service and worship through the years. But perhaps the most significant of his contributions was his vision to hold a prayer service, devoted specifically to motorcyclists for a safe riding season. The unprecedented initiation began in May 1990, and it would signify the first of its kind in the Southeastern Wisconsin/Northeastern Illinois area. It became known as the Annual Bike Blessing. This outdoor service has grown exponentially, now in its 33rd year. There were 56 bikers in attendance the first year and approximately 1,000 attended in 2023. This ministry is one aspect of Ray’s legacy, and it speaks to his amazing love for people, as well as his desire to serve and please the Lord.

Ray joined and served under several national charitable organizations during his lifetime. He was particularly sensitive to the needs of others and to the importance of giving to others less fortunate.

The single most important decision of his life was when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. In so doing, he became joint heirs with Christ, according to God’s Word, and now has his Crown of Life in Heaven.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at the Congdon Funeral Home. Interment to be private for the family.

In Lieu of flowers, please contribute to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105