Ray Szmanda, known as 'Menards guy,' dies at 91

May 08, 2018 | by Junie Sihlangu

He was famous in the 70s, 80s, and 90s for being the face of Menards. Ray Szmanda, who retired in the 90s, has passed away.

His son has revealed that his father died at home in Wisconsin. Szmanda passed away on May 6, 2018, according to CBS News.

He was known as the enthusiastic television pitchman for Menards. In his adverts, he would often tell viewers that they could "save big money" at the Wisconsin-based home improvement chain Menards.

Szmanda's son, Charles Szmanda, said his father died in-home hospice care in Antigo, Wisconsin. He passed away from congestive heart failure.

Ray Szmanda, who many in the Midwest recognize from his commercials for Menards hardware stores, has died at the age of 91, family members report. (credit: Menards) | https://t.co/5eEfi2k1e9 pic.twitter.com/FwL2K7dpi0
— WCCO - CBS Minnesota (@WCCO) May 7, 2018

Szmanda was featured in advertising for Eau Claire-based Menard starting in 1976. He finally retired in 1998 and was fondly known as 'The Menards Guy.'

Szmanda was a Milwaukee native and World War II Navy veteran. In his lifetime he founded a broadcasting school in Wausau.

For years I thought he owned Menards, iconic voice and presence
— Wile E Coyote (@TonyBaumstarck) May 7, 2018

Commercials for Menards have never been the same.
— Journey of Faith (@treppab) May 8, 2018

He also narrated a recording of the Bible. Menards said his "friendly, enthusiastic and fun-loving personality have made a lasting impression" on the family-owned company and its customers.

Ray Szmanda, the enthusiastic TV pitchman known as "The Menards Guy" for two decades, dies at 91 https://t.co/Y011PIyQRx pic.twitter.com/a8PV1f8XBC
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) May 7, 2018

The home improvement chain has stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska.

They also have stores in North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.