Raymond C. Bockskopf Sr.
Raymond Charles Bockskopf, Sr., 84, was born on December 21, 1940 in St. Louis, MO,
baptized in the hope of Resurrection, passed away with his family by his side on July 17, 2025.
He was married to the love of his life, Mary Ann T. Bockskopf (nee Rothermich) for 56 years
until her death on April 9, 2021. Beloved father of five children, Raymond Jr. (Lisa), Elizabeth
(Mark) Beck, John (Jill), Timothy (Megan), William (Kelsey); Loving grandfather of ten
grandchildren; Zachary, Alison (Michael) Eckstein, Adam, Nicholas, Kasandra, Matthew,
Hunter, Abigail, Logan, and Margaret. He is survived by his brother Rev. Richard Bockskopf
and his in- laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also preceded in death by his parents Carl
and Barabara Bockskopf, his brother Robert, his Aunt Mary Lesich.
Raymond was raised on South Second Street in St. Louis City and attended Sts. Peter and Paul
Catholic School in the Soulard neighborhood. Ray attended St. Louis Preparatory High School,
then transferred to South Side Catholic High School where he graduated in 1959.
Growing up Ray had a passion for baseball, playing at Sportsman’s Park for Waterson’s Boys
Club, continuing to play through his young adult years spending many weekends on the diamond
with his family in attendance. His family frequently made the pilgrimage to Staunton, IL and
Dyer, IN to visit with his mother’s second-generation Croatian immigrant family.
Ray met Mary Ann, the love of his life, through the Pius X Club. Ray and Mary Ann were
married at Our Lady of Sorrows on August 22, 1964. Shortly after they moved into the OLS
parish on Finkman Ave and then to their final home on Rhodes Ave, just down the street from
the Church. The Bockskopf house was not hard to find during the holidays as it was festively
decorated with hand-crafted woodwork and lights.
He was a fixture in the parish and school where four of their children were baptized, all five
children attended school and three of their children and one granddaughter were married. Ray
was a servant leader in the parish, school and community. He coached his sons in baseball. He
was a member of the OLS Men’s Club, Parish Council, school board, CYC, and the Lion’s Club.
During Lent, you would find Ray in the Parish garage or basement tending to the fish fryer. He
was the legendary Fish Fryer.
Although Ray was never a boy scout growing up, he dedicated most of his adult life to the
organization. He served as a Pack Leader for Pack 51, Scout Master for Troop 51, and an active
member of the Thunderbird District. He advocated for the creation of the Canoe Guides in the
early 1980’s to monitor, manage and improve the S-F Scout Ranch Nim’s Lake during the off
season of summer camp. The Guides prepared the lake, boats and gear for summer camp and
fishing and canoe merit badge weekends at the Ranch and camps at local parks. Ray with Mary
Ann at his side jointly served at the Pack, Troop and District Council levels, as a trainer, merit
badge counselor and Eagle Board of Review. Ray continued to service as a Canoe Guide until
recently. Ray earned many awards including, Order of the Arrow and his most prestigious being
the Silver Beaver Award which is the highest recognition bestowed upon adult volunteers for
their distinguished service to youth. His example as a leader encouraged all 4 of his sons to earn
the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouting was a family event growing up in the Bockskopf house,
whether it was preparing for or returning from camp, a merit badge, Eagle Scout project, it was
all hands-on deck.
Ray worked at Fusz-Schmelzle, a brokerage firm then continued his career in finance working at
Bohemian Savings and Loan in the Mortgage Department and later at Mercantile Bank. He
worked in payroll accounting for the St. Louis Archdiocese, independent firms, and for Our Lady
of Sorrows and assumed other roles as custodian, business manager, handled all the contract
work and the go to man when something needed to be fixed or negotiated and remained active in
the parish life.
After retirement, Ray began working at the Zoo in Security. He had the privilege to work in the
penguin habitat in his early days at the Zoo. He would often tell stories about his days with the
penguins. He was a fixture at evening events in the Living World greeting employees and guests
and on weekends at the North and East Gates. You never knew where Ray might be when you
visit the Zoo, but he was always present.
Ray enjoyed trains, bowling, camping, fishing, hunting and especially deer camp with his sons
and grandson. Spent long weekends in Branson and traveling on vacations with his children,
grandchildren and cousins. He was always up for a road trip regardless of what necessitated the
journey or if it was just for fun. The longer trips typically required a stop at Cracker Barrel, a
firework stand or an outlet mall.
His family, service, leadership, faith, quick wit and smile are his legacy. The family encourages
you to share a story about our father.
Services will be at Our Lady of Sorrows, 5020 Rhodes Ave. St. Louis, MO for a Funeral Mass
on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM, followed by a continuation of the celebration of Ray’s life
in the Parish Hall. Interment will be Private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Lucy Parish, 5020 Rhodes Ave, St. Louis,
MO 63109.
Loved working with Ray at the Zoo. He knew no strangers and was always a great conversation.
Loved our cousin so much!!
Dear Liz/Mark and family. We are so very sorry for your loss. May happy memories and the support of others bring you some comfort during this difficult time. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend, but are sending a donation to honor your father. Big hugs and prayers. Laura and Scott
Ray will be missed by many I’m sure but not more than his co-workers at the zoo.
I greatly enjoyed working with Ray through Scouting for the last several years. He has had a lasting impact on thousands of young people and S-F Scout Ranch, and we are all better for having known him.
JOSEPH MIKLOVIC – BSA TROOP 115 SCOUT MASTER & CUB MASTER
To the Family and Loved Ones of Ray Bockskopf …….
On behalf of the Scouting community and all who were blessed to walk alongside Ray and Mary Ann on this earthly trail, please accept our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers. Ray was a devoted husband, beloved friend, and steadfast Scouter-a man whose life was marked by quiet strength, unwavering faith, and a deep commitment to the principles of service, humility, and honor. Together with his dear wife Mary Ann, Ray formed a remarkable “fishing team,” casting not just lines into lakes but seeds of wisdom, compassion, and character into the lives of countless young people. As Scouting partners, they helped guide generations through the adventures of youth-pointing always toward the greater journey of life lived in service to others and in faithfulness to God.
Their presence at every Court of Honor, camporee, and fireside was a source of comfort, strength, and inspiration. They didn´t just speak the Scout Law-they lived it. Their example was a compass to all of us who strive to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, and brave. Now, having finished their earthly Good Turn, Ray and Mary Ann are reunited in eternal peace, perhaps along the tranquil shores of a heavenly Lake Nims, where laughter echoes like the calls of loons and the campfire´s glow never fades. Though we grieve their absence, we take solace in believing that Ray and Mary Ann now reside in a heavenly version of S-F Scout Ranch-a place where the canoes never tip, the tents never leak, and the fellowship is eternal.
May perpetual light shine upon them, and may their souls find rest and reward in the eternal camp of the Lord. Until we meet again at the next campfire circle beyond the stars, we remain grateful stewards of the legacy they so faithfully passed on.
“The real way to gain happiness is to give it to others.”
Ray and Mary Ann understood this truth deeply.
ANOTHER “REFLECTION” ….
Scout’s Honor: A Tribute to Raymond Charles Bockskopf, Sr.
In the heart of Soulard, where the old bricks breathe,
A boy once dreamed beneath St. Louis eaves.
Raised on Second Street, with hope in his stride,
Raymond Charles walked with honor as his guide.
Though young Ray’s hands never bore the Scout’s patch,
His soul was forged in service—an even match.
He found the flame as a man grown true,
And lit the path for generations who flew.
In Troop and Pack, he carved his name,
Not for glory, nor for fame.
But to shape young hearts with compass and creed,
To teach that courage starts with deed.
Scoutmaster, Guide, canoe and oar,
At Nim’s Lake’s edge, he gave much more.
Through sunrise fog and lantern light,
Ray worked the water with quiet might.
Canoes were launched, and merit earned,
Because of lessons that he had learned—
That Scouting’s not just knots and tents,
But character built in every sense.
He wore no sash, yet bore the weight
Of Eagle dreams and future fate.
His own four sons soared with wings of pride,
Each reaching Eagle with Dad by their side.
And though his neckerchief was never tied,
He stood as tall with Scout’s true stride.
The Silver Beaver upon his chest,
A badge well-earned from years of quest.
He fried the fish and fixed the light,
He greeted penguins late at night.
In pew and porch, in church and camp,
His spirit burned—a steadfast lamp.
The OLS bell tolled his name,
Where faith and service lit his flame.
The holiday lights, the garage aglow,
The laughter that fell soft as snow.
He coached, he counseled, carved, and cared,
He listened more than most have dared.
With Mary Ann, his steadfast shore,
Together they gave, and still give more.
In every trail his boots have crossed,
A footprint lingers, never lost.
In every badge a Scout will wear,
A piece of Ray’s devotion’s there.
So raise the banner, tie the knot,
Remember all the love he brought.
His work is done, his journey clear—
A Scout in heart, we hold him near.
**Scout’s honor**, Ray—we’ll carry on,
Your legacy like campfire song.
In whispered wind and owl’s night cry,
We’ll feel your spirit passing by.