Ray R. Burrows

Ray Robert Burrows, age 78, of Coloma, died unexpectedly at his home on June 3, 2026. He was born November 19, 1947 in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, the son of Robert D. and Margaret V. (Kloss) Burrows. He married Barbara J. Gabrielson on December 27, 1969 at Stoddard, Wisconsin.

Ray graduated from Westfield High School in 1965 and attended Madison Business College. He served his country as a Sergeant in theU.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and his commitment to fellow veterans remained a central part of his life. After returning from service, Ray entered the auto body repair industry, working for Zimbrick Buick and 4 Lakes Auto Body in Madison before founding and operating PRO Auto Body in Madison until 2000.

A lifelong car enthusiast, Ray collected, built, and raced cars at tracks across Wisconsin. His passion and energy were instrumental in reviving the car show at the Coloma Chicken Chew festival, an event that now draws more than 100 cars each year. In his later years, Ray and Barb traveled extensively across the United States by car, of course, often spending weeks on the road before returning home. Beyond automobiles, Ray was known for his generosity and willingness to help others, volunteering his time for causes he believed in and supporting his community in countless quiet ways.

Ray was a member of many organizations over the years, including the American Legion, VFW, Shriners, Free Masons, Lions Club, Coloma Village Board, Prince of Peace Church Council, and Coloma Historical Society.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Burrows, of Coloma; three sons, Adam (Laura) Burrows, of Oshkosh, Eric (Katherine) Burrows, of Cedarburg, and Matthew (Heidi) Burrows, of Mason, Ohio; and seven grandchildren, Megan, Casey, Connor, Samantha, Charlotte, Kellen and Isla. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, other relatives, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Coloma with Rev. Blaine O. Niskanen officiating. Visitation will be held at the Church on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Burial with full military honors will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Coloma. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Ray’s memory. The Leikness Funeral Home of Wautoma is assisting the family with arrangements. www.leiknessfuneralhome.com