County Executive Falk Press Statement: Passing of Coroner Ray Wosepka

March 20, 2010
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk issued the following statement after County Coroner Ray Wosepka passed away today (Saturday, March 20, 2010).  Wosepka had been in ill health in recent weeks and died of natural causes.  Wosepka was appointed Dane County Coroner by Governor Doyle on September 24, 2009 to fill out the remainder of Coroner John Stanley’s elected term.  Stanley died unexpectedly on September 13, 2009.   Before his most recent term in office, Wosepka previously served as Dane County Coroner from 1988 through 2000.  Falk said:

“Ray Wosepka was the consummate professional and his willingness to return to public service after the passing of John Stanley was most appreciated.  Ray was a dedicated public servant with a friendly smile and unrivaled work ethic and he will be deeply missed.  Our hearts go out to Ray's family for their enormous loss.   

Ray’s warmth, compassion, and experience served Dane County citizens very well for many years.

This has been a most challenging year for the dedicated men and women of the Dane County Coroner’s office and on behalf of all Dane County citizens, I extend my deep appreciation to them for their continued service and hard work.  Deputy Coroner Barry Irmen will coordinate the day to day operations of the Dane County Coroner’s Office.”