Ray D. Guenther, 65, Merrill, died Sunday, July 8, 2012 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander, WI.
He was born in Marshfield on September 24, 1946, to the late Harold and Erma (Kline) Guenther. Ray married Susan “Sue” Radtke on September 6, 1969, in West Allis, WI.
For 42 years, Ray worked as a Pipefitter, and was a member of the local #434 union. In his free time he liked to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren, together they would go fishing, and spend time at the lake. He always attended his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Ray enjoyed helping others especially his family. He always liked the color changes of the leaves in the fall. Ray also liked to go camping, watch his favorite team, the Milwaukee Brewers and on occasion sit down and watch his favorite actor, John Wayne. Ray was also an animal lover, he had a hobby farm for a number of years, cats and horses were some of his favorite animals. Ray loved his country and had the honor of serving in the U.S. Army. He was also a member of Bible Presbyterian Church, Merrill, and enjoyed singing.
Ray will be sadly missed by his wife, Sue; two daughters, Thalia “T.J.” (Thomas) Radey, Green Bay, WI, and Julie (Russ) Mellinger,; two sons, John (Staci) Guenther, and Tom Guenther, all of Merrill; nine grandchildren, Amber and Cassie McAllister, Coty, Philip and Savannah Guenther, Gavin and Matthias Guenther, and, Colton and Dani Mellinger; one sister, Patty (Michael) Rice; two brothers, Dennis (Cindy) Guenther, and Dave (Kerry) Guenther; and many nieces and nephews, mother-in-law: Faye Radtke.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Mary Beth Guenther.
A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday July 12, 2012, at Bible Presbyterian Church, Merrill. Reverend Robert Smallman will officiate. The family will receive guests from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Bible Presbyterian Church, Merrill, and again at the church on Thursday from 9:30 until the time of service. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.