Raymond L. Kulesa

Raymond L. Kulesa, 82, of Indianapolis passed away on Wednesday May 22, 2019. The youngest of seven children, Ray was born in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Michael and Sophie Kulesa. He attended Purdue University, paying his way through college by working a series of jobs including mailman, used tire salesman, and other odd jobs. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1959. While at his friend Jim’s house for a poker game, he met Jim’s younger sister Sharon, who became the love of his life. Sharon and Ray married on September 17, 1960 and spent nearly 59 years together. Raymond and Sharon moved to Connecticut where Ray worked for Combustion Engineering and earned his master’s in mechanical engineering. They later moved to South Bend, Indiana, where Ray worked for Bendix until his retirement in 1994. He was a pioneer in using computers in the field of manufacturing.
Ray was a lifelong Purdue fan, he has attended countless football and basketball games, and reveled in joy with Boilers across the world during that magical win against Ohio State last fall. Ray loved to work in his shop, especially woodworking and he built countless pieces for his home and many others, including a beautiful grandfather clock. He completed a window flower box for a neighbor just last week. He also loved to spend time gardening, fishing, golfing, going to the casino (coming out money ahead more than his fair share). He and Sharon spent winters in their retirement community in Florida where they thoroughly enjoyed many costume parties, shuffleboard, and playing cards with friends. More than anything, Ray loved to spend time with his family and especially the grandchildren. Holiday and birthday gatherings were always loud, loving affairs full of food and games of Tripoley.
Ray was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church. He was also a regular volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Society, working in the warehouse every Monday and Wednesday.
He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Stan, Joe, Michael, Fran, and Jean. Ray is survived by his wife Sharon; his three daughters Beverly (Chip) Folck, Anne Marie (Roy) Christian, Lynne (George) Wiegand; seven grandchildren Cassie, Tony, Katie, Clayton, Josh, Karissa, and Brock; and siblings Ed.
The viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church narthax, located at 6000 W 34th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224, from 9:30 – 10:30am. A Christian Mass will follow at 11am. There will be a reception at the club house located at 8511 Overlook Parkway, Indianapolis, IN at 2pm that afternoon. In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Vincent de Paul Society or a charity of your choice.