Ray Szmanda, TV Pitchman For Menards, Dies At 91

ANTIGO, Wis. — The enthusiastic television pitchman who told viewers they could “save big money” at Wisconsin-based home improvement chain Menards has died. Ray Szmanda was 91.

Szmanda’s son, Charles Szmanda, says his father died Sunday in home hospice care in Antigo, Wisconsin, of congestive heart failure.

Ray Szmanda was featured in advertising for Menard Inc. starting in 1976 until his retirement in 1998. He was known as “The Menards Guy.”

The company said in a statement released Tuesday:

 

“Ray Szmanda remained a steady fixture in our advertising for nearly a quarter century until his retirement in 1998.  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.’

 

A Milwaukee native and World War II Navy veteran, Szmanda founded a broadcasting school in Wausau. He also narrated a recording of the Bible.

Menards has stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

 

Ray Szmanda photo provided by Menards