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Eugene Ray

Eugene Owen “Gene” Ray, age 80 of Ellsworth WI, died on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at his residence, surrounded with the love of family. Gene was born August 26, 1939 in Ellsworth Township to parents Oscar and Ada (Marker) Ray. Gene attended schools in Ellsworth, and went on to serve his country in the United States Army. Gene was united in marriage to Phyllis Wood on October 24, 1966. Their union in marriage would be blessed with over 53 years of love and devotion.

Gene worked many jobs throughout the years, from driving semi-truck and being an instructor at truck driving school, to working construction, and farming with his father-in-law Chester. Gene worked for over 40 years at Tempco Manufacturing where he was a foreman, machine operator, and plant maintenance supervisor. Outside of work, Gene enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycling, hunting, and fishing, especially for salmon on Lake Michigan. Gene was also a skilled woodworker, and took great pride in always taking care of the mowing and yardwork. Though they had no children of their own, he and Phyllis cherished time spent with their family, which included many nieces and nephews, in-laws and extended family, as well as their pets, Tippy and Clinton. Gene will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gene is survived by his wife of 53 years, Phyllis; his sisters, Audrey Kiefer and Kathy Linder; three generations of nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Grace Wood; as well as many other relatives and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; twin sisters, Germaine and Geraldine; brothers-in-law, Donnie Kiefer and Gary Linder; and father-in-law, Chester Wood.

To honor Gene’s wishes, he will be cremated, and his family will hold a private family gathering on their own. Friends may comfort the family with messages of condolence on his Tribute Wall at the oconnellfuneralservices.com website. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home and Trusted Cremation Provider of Ellsworth WI. 715-273-4421

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