Raymond A. Marotte of Wauwatosa died April 28, 2009, just before his 89th birthday.
The youngest of seven children, he was born May 10, 1920, to Arthur and Delia Marotte in Crookston, Minn. After high school, he attended St. John's University and Marquette University until he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served his country in World War II.
After his service, he moved to Wauwatosa in 1946 and befriended John A. Horning. He became the first salesperson for Wauwatosa Realty (now Shorewest Realtors) working out of John's home. Ray became the first general manager at the office on Harwood Avenue. He later became the relocation director until retiring as the senior vice president after more than 40 years with the company. He mentored and guided the Shorewest staff as well as many other associates in the industry.
Ray and Ruthe enjoyed their retirement half of the year in St. Petersburg, Fla., and Ray continued to work on closings for the company until the late 1990s. He was a huge asset in the growth of the largest real estate company in the state. The company continues to honor him with the annual Raymond A. Marotte Award, the highest honor within Shorewest Realtors. The award exemplifies professionalism, honesty, dedication and loyalty to clients, company and the real estate industry.
He also was an active member of the national, state and local associations of Realtors, as well as a longtime director and member of many committees. He also served as the president of the Wisconsin Realtors Association. He was honored as the Realtor of the Year for the Milwaukee Board of Realtors as well as the Wisconsin Board. He also received the honor of Realtor emeritus.
Ray and Ruthe were active parishioners at St. Bernard's Church for more than 50 years. He was very active in the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce, serving as president for two years, and the Kiwanis Club, where he also served as president. For more than 25 years, he served as a director and treasurer of Community S&L and then on the Advisory Board of Security S&L.
He is survived by his children, Denise (Rick) Kohl, Martha (Bob Frederickson) Marotte, Paul (Kristen) Marotte and Joan (Dave) Helling; grandchildren, Sara (Steve) Beth, Robin and Katelyn Warner, Adam (Shannon) Kohl, Heather (Tim) Aukofer, Michael, Alyssa and Blake Marotte, Alexandra and Jake Helling; 10 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruthe (nee Gehl).
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 1 at San Camillo Chapel, Wauwatosa. Private committal services were at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Camillus Employee Appreciation Fund or the Sioux Spiritual Center of South Dakota.
The family thanks the employees of St. Camillus for their compassion and care.
Becker Ritter Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
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