Ray O. Moad, 85, of West Burlington, died Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Klein Center, receiving hospice care. Born on May 11, 1941, in La Harpe, Ill., he was the son of Victor and Frances Renner Moad. On Sept. 24, 1966, he married Sharon K. Swailes at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Burlington. She preceded him in death on July 20, 2024.
Ray graduated in the class of 1960 from La Harpe High School. He served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1965 during the Vietnam era. After returning from the Navy, Ray began his lifelong work career at General Electric. He worked full time, attended and graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, on top of raising his family with three children. After 31 plus years at G.E., Ray decided he was ready to retire. Although he retired, he decided to take two summers and work at Yellowstone National Park during the summer months. While in Yellowstone, Ray joined a hiking club and completed a 100-mile hike. He also worked for the City of Burlington, mowing Crapo Park for six years. As if that wasn’t taking up enough time, he also volunteered for the Klein Center, transporting residents over to the hospital for appointments.
Ray was a member of Ss. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church of the Divine Mercy Parish, Knights of Columbus 4th degree, Master Gardener, and Shutterbug Photography Club. In his free time, he enjoyed meeting with the guys from G.E. for coffee. He was an avid sports fan cheering on the Chicago Cubs, Bears and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He and his late wife Sharon loved attending the Pigeon Show, visiting the U.S.S. Radford Ship Reunions and gardening together. Most of all Ray loved spending time with his family who meant the most to him.
He is survived by his three children: Marc (Nicolette) Moad of West Burlington, Judith Moad of Palm Bay, FL, and Patty (Marcus) Rachowicz of Burlington; seven grandchildren: Alexandra, Eden, Adriana and Anthony Moad, August Bunger, and Morgan and Mason Rachowicz. Also surviving are three siblings: Roy (Marcy) Moad of Idaho, Russell (Marilyn) Moad of Arizona, and Victoria Korschgen of Texas, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharon and sister Evelyn “Sissy” Owlsey.
The funeral service for Ray will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, at Lunning Chapel with Father Jacob Greiner as celebrant. Military Rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A two-hour visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, at Lunning Chapel where the family will meet with friends.
Burial will be held in Grant Cemetery in rural Mt. Pleasant.
A memorial has been established in his memory for the Iowa State University Extension Center for Des Moines County.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.