Raymond Keith Wiemer, 85, of Cushing, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on March 23, 2024. Ray was born March 22, 1939, to Josephine and Charles Wiemer in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, as the oldest of seven children. He graduated from Tony High School in 1957 and met his future wife, Karen Kuettel, in 1956. They married in 1958 and were blessed with five children.
Ray worked for many years at Simonson Lumber in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, driving forklift and making deliveries. Then in 1982 he started work at St. Croix Falls School District as a custodian. His favorite school to work in was the elementary, where the kids called him Mr. Ray, which he loved. Ray retired in 2003.
In the 1970s, Ray managed Manitou Ball Park and coached the Trap Rock Kids Team, where all his kids played fast pitch. Throughout his life, Ray was an avid fisherman and hunter. He would go to Big Twin Lake to fish with his can of corn where he was successful in catching many types of fish. Bob Fenton was one of Ray’s best fishing buddies. They could be heard from shore arguing who would catch the biggest fish. He was nicknamed “Hinder Finder” by his deer hunting buddy, Larry Tretsven. Use your imagination on why he was named that. He watched his eldest son play football in high school and he loved watching his grandkids play sports too.
Ray was well-known for his well-kept yard and mowing skills. He took pride in keeping his land beautiful. He called friends and family Big Donkey and would always say it’s a holy moly day in Wisconsin today! If he agreed with you, he would say, “You Betcha!” and if he didn’t, he would say “Bah!” His quirky way with words made people laugh and that characteristic will be sorely missed.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and Charles Wiemer; sisters, Janet Nielson and Kathleen Mataczynski; and grandson, Luke Olson.
Ray will be deeply missed by his wife of 65 years, Karen; their children, Pam (Darcy) Brust, Ryan (Paulette) Wiemer, Dierdre Nebosis, Correna (Sam) Burton and Ricky Wiemer; brother, Dennis (Cheryl) Wiemer; sisters, Doris (Ed) Charbonneau, Carolyn Brown and Betty (Roger) Lance. Ray is also survived by eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and nephews and nieces.
The family would like to especially thank Moments Hospice for their care of Ray the last few years and to Kolstad Funeral Home in Centuria, Wisconsin.
Ray’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Cushing Community Center on Saturday, April 13, from 2-6 p.m. Please come and help celebrate Ray’s amazing life.
