Flemington, NJ – Raymond Everett Wenstrom, 78, passed on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at home with his loving family by his side.

Ray was born in Jersey City, NJ in 1945, son of the late Gunnar Otto and Irja Timonen Wenstrom. He was raised in Bergen County, NJ, where he enjoyed an all-American childhood of checkers and baseball.

Ray earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history at West Virginia University. It was the foundation for his future law degree at New York Law School in Manhattan. His degrees in law and history, together with his passion for the American Revolution and Civil War, allowed him to wax poetic on these subjects to any and all who would listen. He was an amazing conversationalist and an outstanding story-teller.

Between his undergraduate and law programs, Ray faithfully served his country with the United States Army during the Vietnam War, receiving a Purple Heart during his service. He later found brotherhood and community in the local Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 27, serving as their finance officer. In his final days he was graciously awarded with a Quilt of Valor and a United States flag that was flown over the Capitol for his service.

Ray married his wife, Karen, in 1977 and laid roots in Flemington, NJ in 1982 where they raised their only son Mark. Ray held his own private law practice in Somerville, NJ where he practiced until retirement.

Calling Ray an avid golfer is an understatement. He first honed his game at Raritan Valley Country Club and later fine tuned it at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club. And to his credit, he has two holes in one. During his heyday at Fidder's he earned the most prestigious title of "Everyday Ray" thanks to his perfect attendance.

When he wasn't playing golf, he would enjoy any and every televised golf event he could find including, but not limited to, the PGA, LPGA, European, and even the lesser known, but equally exciting, Korn Ferry Tour.

Living up to its reputation, the Masters was a "tradition unlike any other" in Ray's world. He and Mark watched every minute together from the ceremonial first tee shots to the 72nd hole and green jacket presentation. He crossed off his bucket list item in 2013, when he and Mark walked the hallowed grounds during the practice rounds that year.

Outside of golf, Ray was a big fan of college sports, always rooting on his West Virginia Mountineers. Bowl Season and March Madness were highlights of his year. Karen equally shared his love for collegiate activities as together they served on the Parents Board at Bucknell while Mark attended. This allowed them to give back to the university, while also allowing them to foster a relationship with Mark's future in-laws, the Campolis, who also served on the board.

Ray was an amateur arborist with a knack for identifying trees and a passion for hand selecting every tree on his property; caring for them as if they were his kin. The backyard birds were also under his dutiful care, providing them a healthy supply of seeds, nuts and dried fruits.

Ray was predeceased by his parents and brother, Bruce Wenstrom. He is survived by his wife Karen; son, Mark and his wife Jaclyn; two adored grandchildren, Kate and Matthew; and many fond relatives. He also leaves behind a myriad of friends and neighbors as well as nicknames and catch phrases that will live on forever.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 Route 202 North, Three Bridges, NJ 08887 on Tuesday, January 2, from 4-7 p.m. and on Wednesday, January 3, from 9:30-10:15 a.m.  Funeral services will begin at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 3, at 10:15 a.m. followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral mass at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Three Bridges with Fr. Thomas J. Serafin, V.F., KCHS officiating.  Committal words and entombment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery and Mausoleum in Bridgewater.  In lieu of a repast, Ray's family will hold a Celebration of Life at a date and time to be determined in the spring of 2024.  Memorial contributions may be made in Raymond's name to Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 27, PO Box 116, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880.  To send condolences to the family, share photographs, or light a virtual candle in memory of Ray, please visit www.CountrysideFuneralHome.com.