Raymond J. "Ray" Wardell

Raymond J. Wardell “Ray” age 87 of Portage, Indiana passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Ray was born on December 30, 1937, in Stetsonville, Wisconsin. He was the son of Virgil and Hannah (Scholz) Wardell. He was the 8th child in a family of 15. He graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1955. He then completed a four-year Carpentry Apprenticeship Program (AF of L). He is survived by his children: Kerry (Larry) Cates, Wendy (Joseph) Drzik, and Raymond (Sandra) Wardell, and eight grandchildren: Jesse (Emily) Cates, Ryane Puckett, Kyle Norris, Laura (Sean) Lynch, Joe Drzik, Dominic Wardell, Philip Wardell, and Victoria (Montana) Pedersen. He had seven great grandchildren: Alexandria, Samuel, Hazel, Phoebe, Daphne, Julian, and Tyson. Also, by his brother Michael, and sisters Joanne Saltzgaber and Rosemary Dingman. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Virgil and Hannah Wardell, his brothers Virgil, Donald, Kenneth, Herbert, Gerard, Allen and James; his sisters Bernice, Rita, Maryann, Jeannine; and grandson-in-law Joshua Puckett. Ray was a carpenter by trade with Local #2950 (formerly #1005). He worked for multiple construction companies throughout his career and retired with The Ross Group. Many of his construction projects contributed to the changing landscape of Portage, Hobart, and many areas of Northwest Indiana. He was extremely hard-working and would help anyone who was in need. He enjoyed golfing and was an avid skier and member of the Gary/Duneland and Lakeshore Ski and Sports clubs. He looked forward to his trips to Colorado each year. However, his true passion was dancing. From country line, swing, ballroom, and Latin dancing, he was always involved in dance lessons, showcases and competitions. In 2024 he was honored as the first recipient into the Harvest Moon Ball Dancesport Championship Hall of Fame. He was generous, kind, and loving. He always had a positive attitude, even when going through difficult health issues these past three years. He loved his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and friends. He will be missed tremendously. May he rest in peace. Services will be held at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory 701 East 7th Street Hobart, Indiana 46342 on Monday, November 3, 2025. The visitation will be from 12:00 PM until the time of service at 4:00 PM. www.BurnsFuneral.com

Raymond J. "Ray" Wardell

December 30, 1937 - October 25, 2025