Ray Oscar Thoresen

Baptized January 8, 1933, and confirmed June 9, 1946, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Austin, TX. Graduated from Austin High School. Drafted during the Korean War but because the war ended on the day he finished basic training, was lucky enough to spend 18 months in Germany and was able to travel throughout Europe. He attended The University of Texas at Austin where he was president of Gamma Delta, a Lutheran student organization.

He married Joyce Elaine Meschke, August 12, 1960 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They were blessed with 64 years together and a son, David Sean Thoresen.

Ray worked at Mrs. Bairds Bakery for 30 years, first as the office manager then as plant manager. A life-long Lutheran and Austinite, he served in various capacities at St. Paul Lutheran, Hope Lutheran, and Redeemer Lutheran. In his retirement years, he traveled with friends, golfed, and fished with nephew, Mark Mathias.

Ray is predeceased by his mother and father, Ella and Oscar Thoresen and his sister Helen Thoresen Mathias.

He is survived by wife, Joyce Thoresen, son David Sean Thoresen, sister, Joyce Thoresen Pfluger, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church Organ Fund or Hospice Austin Christopher House, 2820 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.

A funeral service for Ray will be held Friday, December 20, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3501 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Oakwood Cemetery Annex, 1600 Comal St, Austin, TX 78702.