A Fond du Lac music legend has died. Ray Wifler died Saturday he was 83. Wifler began teaching in 1958 at Lomira Public Schools followed by a position at UW-Fond du Lac. He was a professor music and Department chair at Marian University from 1984 to 2003. He was the founder and co-director of the Buttermilk Festival, Music Director of the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band for 42 years, Charter President and Board Member of the FDL Arts Council, founder of the FDL Oratorio Chorus in 1971 (now South Shore Chorale), and choir director at St. Patrick’s Church for 33 years. He was a frequent clinician and guest conductor for many Wisconsin school bands and organized many local and area music events. He was a member of the American Bandmasters Association, the Wisconsin Bandmasters Association and many other music related organizations both national and international. A few years ago the band shelter at Buttermilk Creek Park was renamed the Wiffler Performance Center his honor.
