ANTIGO — Ray Szmanda, a familiar icon in the advertising and broadcasting world, has died, according to his family.
Szmanda was the longtime television spokesman for Menards, appearing on the company’s commercials between 1986 and 1998. From 1959 to 1978, Szmanda ran the Trans-American School of Broadcasting in Wausau and was well-known throughout central Wisconsin.
Menards issued a statement Monday in response to Szmanda’s death that called him a “steady fixture” in the company’s advertising.
“Still to this day, Ray’s friendly, enthusiastic and fun-loving personality have made a lasting impression on our customers and all of us at Menards. We are saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with Ray’s family, friends and the millions of people who knew him as ‘The Menards Guy.’”
Szmanda’s son, Charles Szmanda, says his father died Sunday in home hospice care in Antigo of congestive heart failure. He was 91.
