Raymond Roberts, age 74, of Grafton, Wisconsin passed away after a lengthy illness Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at the Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee.
He was born on December 16, 1946 in Escanaba, MI; the son of Hubert and Elsie Bryant Roberts. As a young man, he moved to Milwaukee where he entered the US Army during the Vietnam War. He served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. As a Sergeant, Ray was a paratrooper who had been awarded three purple hearts. He was very proud of his time serving his country.
In 1968, he married Elizabeth “Liz” Botz in Milwaukee and eventually they made their way to Port Washington which they would call home. For many years, Ray worked at the former Telsmith Manufacturing Company in Mequon. Upon retiring from Telsmith in 2009, Ray and Liz moved to Door County. During his time in Door County, Ray earned a black belt in Karate. He shared his love of karate by helping teach other students the art. After a few years in Door County, they returned back to Port Washington.
Ray was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9290 of Fish Creek, WI, Landt-Thiel American Legion Post 470 of Saukville, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the National Rifle Association (NRA). He was also the past governor of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1043 of Saukville, as well as, holding many other lodge positions and committee involvement.
One of the things that Ray was most fond of was spending time meeting with fellow veterans at conventions and gatherings, talking and sharing of experiences, making new friends and reading and watching documentaries on the war. Ray valued the camaraderie these gatherings provided in his life. He was also an avid deer hunter.
He is survived by his wife Liz, his daughter Melissa Houck, her husband and son, grandchildren Paige and Taylor Rammel; his sister Denise (Richard “Dick”) Weber, his brothers Tom (Alice), Dennis (Janet) and Noel (Janet) Roberts, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Amy Roberts Rammel.
Ray will be sincerely missed by those he has left here and will be received with love by those who have been waiting for him there.
A gathering to celebrate Ray’s life will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 1-3pm at the Poole Funeral Home, 203 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington.
Memorials to the Honor Flight (www.honorflight.org) appreciated.
We all enjoyed our time with Ray, hunting deer, grouse and wild turkeys. He was good company and a great Family Man and a Great American.
I will miss you Uncle Ray. Thanks for calling me and the nice chat we had before you passed.
Aunt Liz I hope things will get better for you. I know you have had such great loss and suffering.
Love, Robbie
So sorry for your loss, hugs for the Robert’s family🙏
Our sincere condolences to the Roberts family. Ray was a terrific guy, great neighbor and good friend. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him…
My sincere condolences to Ray’s entire family and friends. Growing up in Escanaba Michigan and attending school with Ray is only one of my memories of a great guy. Grade school through High School. I always looked forward to our Class Reunions and reminiscing. Rest in Peace my friend. I’ll hopefully catch up with you on the other side! Thoughts and Prayers!!!🙏🙏🙏