Raymond Gilbert Gruetzmacher II, 69, of Suring, entered into eternal rest surrounded by his family at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018. Raymond was born in Shawano on Sept. 7, 1949, to the late Raymond and Maybelle (Crow) Gruetzmacher. He graduated from Shawano High School with the Class of 1968 and married Sue Ashenbrenner on May 26, 1973, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Leopolis. Ray obtained an Associate Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and then went on to attend Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science to obtain his degree in Mortuary Science.
In 1975, Ray and Sue made Suring their home, raising two children, Brent and Kim, while Ray was employed at Soulek Funeral Home. In 1983, Ray purchased Soulek Funeral Home, which is now known as Gruetzmacher Funeral Home. Ray operated Gruetzmacher Funeral Home until 2016 when he retired and transitioned the business to his son, Brent Gruetzmacher, who currently operates the business.
Growing up near Shawano Lake he enjoyed boating and water skiing. He loved to bird and deer hunt with his family and friends. Ray had a passion for grilling and could cook as well as most chefs. He especially enjoyed making dill pickles. His other hobbies included cooking maple syrup, cutting firewood, woodworking, and riding his John Deere lawn mower. He enjoyed retirement, riding around in his old pickup truck that he acquired from his best friend. Most recently he enjoyed cruising the neighborhood in his golf cart and taking his grandsons for rides.
Ray is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue; daughter, Kim (Jeff) Kinsler of Nashville, Tennessee; son, Brent (Kimberly) Gruetzmacher of Suring and their sons, Grant and Cole. Ray is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, from 4-8 pm. Visitation continued on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church (Suring) from 2:30 p.m. until the funeral service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Michael Paholke officiating.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com
The family would like to thank Ryan, a very special RN, with Thedacare Regional Medical Center in Neenah’s ICU Department for his compassion and care shown to Ray and his family.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.