Raymond John Raml Jr.

Raymond John Raml Jr., 89, of Juneau, WI, formerly of Sheboygan and Sheboygan Falls, WI, as well as Alexandria, MN died on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Raymond (Ray) was born June 30, 1935 in Kansas City, MO, son of Raymond Louis and Anna (Jungwirth) Raml. Upon the death of his mother, when Ray was just shy of four years old, he was raised by his father and stepmother, Elizabeth (Kretzschmar) Raml.

A graduate of Sheboygan Central High School, class of 1953, Ray then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of basic training, he shipped out for Korea and was a veteran of that war. After completing his tour of duty Ray returned to Sheboygan and began work as a construction laborer specializing in cement finishing. He was a proud lifelong democrat and union advocate being a member of the Laborers International Union of North America Local 330.

He married Lou Ann Henrietta Wilterdink Nack on September 8, 1956. They made their home in Sheboygan while raising their three children. Upon the unfortunate passing of their youngest daughter, Ray and Lou Ann moved to Reeseville, WI to operate their own business, Silver Fox Lanes, a bowling alley/bar/restaurant. After a number of years, they returned to the Sheboygan area where they built a home in Sheboygan Falls. Upon retirement they then settled in Alexandria, MN.

After the passing of his beloved wife Lou Ann in 2007, Ray stayed on in Alexandria where he had developed many close friendships including neighbors, fishing and bowling buddies and those in his informal daily breakfast “club”. When it became too difficult to live on his own he moved in with his eldest daughter and son-in-law at their country home near Juneau, WI where he was lovingly taken care of until his passing in their home surrounded by loved ones.

Ray was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. While he would occasionally root for the Vikings during his time in Minnesota, he was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan and “owner”. He always had a fondness for the Chicago Cubs. Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman who spent most of his life pursuing these passions with his son. While he did take his daughter fishing, he truly enjoyed taking drives and road trips with her, especially to view fall forest colors and public gardens. He was proud of and cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a special love for all dogs and had them as friends his whole life.

Ray is survived by a daughter, Jenine L. (Gregory) Schultz of Juneau, WI; a son, James A. (Deborah Benedict) Raml of Grand Marais, MN; two grandchildren, Nicholas J. (Ashley) Schultz of Beaver Dam, WI and Jennifer M. (Aaron) Eberle of Pardeeville, WI; two great-grandchildren, Drake Schultz of Beaver Dam and Sadie Eberle of Pardeeville, as well as a sister, Patsy and many nieces.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ray was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Suzanne Marie Raml, and his brothers John Raml and Albert Raml.

In lieu of a memorial it was Ray’s wish that his family and friends make a charitable donation to their local Human Society for the humane caring of all animals, especially his beloved dogs. 

An open celebration of life will be held sometime in spring or summer in Sheboygan, WI. Specifics will be announced at a later date.

Ray will always be remembered for the love and generosity which he bestowed upon all those who surrounded him. He will be dearly missed but remain in our hearts and minds forever.