Raymond Galinski
Raymond E. Galinski, 93, of Ludington, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026. Ray was born on August28, 1932, in Chicago, to Stanley and Eva Galinski. He and his siblings were raised in the house on a hill on South Washington Avenue in Ludington. After graduating from Ludington High School, Ray attended and was a graduate of Western Michigan University. It was at Western where he met Patricia Arnold. On some nights in those early days, you would find Ray standing outside Pat’s dormitory, planning date nights through her window. Those conversations and dedication to one another led them to the altar on Dec. 29, 1955. The couple moved to Kansas during Ray’s service as a surveyor in the Headquarters Battery of the Fort Riley artillery. In 1957, Ray and Pat moved to Custer with their son, Paul, to begin his teaching career, before settling in Ludington where they had three more children, Karen, Sally Jo and Tom. The family enjoyed many years together prior to Pat passing away in October 1991.
An educator at heart, Ray enjoyed teaching speech and aviation at Ludington High School. He was a dedicated coach and a positive influence on students and those friends close to him using a mixture of a wonderful sense of humor and a big dose of common sense. During his 35-year career in education, he served as a versatile leader, acting as an administrator, athletic director, and school official. Upon his retirement in 1993, he left a legacy of strong connections with cherished friends, colleagues, and students across Michigan.
Ray married Alice Jean Jackson in 1996 and moved to Grosse Pointe Farms where they enjoyed life by the water. Never one to sit around, Ray volunteered at the local high school, assisting with the basketball programs and volunteered at the museum with Alice. They both felt the pull back to Ludington and moved back home. They were together until Alice passed away in September 2024.
Ray was an avid fisherman and was never happier than when he was in a boat with his fishing buddies.While the Pere Marquette River was his home water, his passion for fishing took him across the country – from the northern waters of Alaska to the distant rivers of South America.
Ray was a true sports enthusiast who loved everything from attending live events to catching the game on TV. He was just as passionate about his social life, always ready for poker night with the guys or breakfast with friends.
Ray is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Slaggert; brother Larry Galinski; his children, Paul (Joan), Karen, SallyJo (Eugene) and Tom (Patty); grandchildren Kristin (Eric), Antonio (Samantha), Ashley Rae, Connor (Ericka); and great-grandchildren, Madison, Nora, Ainsley, Emilia and Jack.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the lifelong friendship between Ray and Dan Neil, and for the cherished companionship of Tom Seroczynski, Don Stokley, Mike Winczewski, Wally Sadosty,Mike Larson, and many dear friends. A special thank you to Kayla and the staff at The Village Manor for their exceptional care and the compassion they showed our family.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Eva Galinski; Pat Galinski; brother Bob Galinski; his grandson, David; and Alice Galinski. Dad was also welcomed on the other side by his close friends, Ken Tewel and Terry Simons.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington, with Father Wayne B. Wheeler presiding. Interment will be in the Pere Marquette Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ludington Schools Youth Resource Center, attention Mark Boon; or to the Ludington High School Athletic Department.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
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