Raymond Glatczak, Jr.

R aymond “Whitey” Glatczak, 76, of Centralia, Kansas passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at his home.

Whitey Glatczak was born March 3, 1943 to Raymond Sr. and Agnes (Groschek) Glatczak in Milwaukee, WI. He grew up in North Lake, IL. Whitey joined the Air Force in 1961 where he was stationed in England, France, and Germany. He completed his time in the service in 1965 at Forbes Field in Topeka, KS where he met the love of his life, Joy “Petunia” Walters. They married on March 6, 1965 at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, KS. They moved to Carol Stream, IL and remained there until 1977 when they moved to Centralia, KS.  One of Whitey’s favorite past times was watching his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch a basketball, football, baseball, softball, or volleyball game.  Whitey was also known for hosting events in his garage after ballgames and on weekends.  Locals as well as out-of-towners knew that “Whitey’s” was somewhere they could enjoy some food, drink, and game talk.

Fishing was also a hobby he really enjoyed with his sons and grandkids.  One of Whitey’s favorite activities for the past 20 plus years was hosting the MVF Fishing Tournament (which by the way has nothing to do with fishing) for local and out of town family and friends.

Whitey will also be remembered for his abilities to fix or build anything with his handyman skills. He used these skills to help anyone when needed – it wasn’t unusual for Whitey to fix or repair things without even being asked.  Family always loved hosting Joy and Whitey for a weekend, because they always knew chores would get done!

Whitey was a proud member of the American Legion Riders and American Legion Post #216.

Whitey was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Ed Glatczak, Rich Glatczak, and Chris Weinmann.

Whitey is survived by his wife, Joy Glatczak of Centralia; his brothers, Jim (Pam) Glatczak of Phoenix, AZ, Ron (Lynn) Glatczak of Phoenix, AZ; his sister, Pat (Tom) Writz of Schofield, WI; his sons, Bruce (Stacy) Glatczak of Wichita, KS and Larry (Janelle) Glatczak of Centralia, KS; three grand-daughters, Maura Glatczak, Katie Glatczak and Elly Glatczak; three grandsons, Tyler (Chelsey) Glatczak, Michael Glatczak, and Kohl (Emilee) Glatczak; and one great-grand-daughter Madeline Glatczak.

The family would like to thank the many friends and family who shared their time, brought by food and drinks, and said many prayers.  Your thoughtfulness during Whitey’s illness was appreciated so much.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the West Centralia Community Church in Centralia, Kansas. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church. Inurnment will be at Centralia Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Lewis, Bill Cross, Sonny Bourne, Mike Thompson, Roger and Billy Holthaus, Tracy Bourne, Jim Tatman, Anthony Sirignano and Don Stutler.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Centralia School Booster Club or the Centralia Community Church, sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle Street, Seneca, KS 66538.