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Raymond Gustave Marks, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2021, at the age of 100+. Ray passed away at the home he was born in, grew up in, married and raised his family, it was the only address he ever had.

Ray was born to Elmer and Clara (Hertzberg) Marks on February 28, 1921. He attended school right on the family farm, it was a one room school known as “White School”. After he finished school, he worked on the family farm as well as helped neighbors with farming. Ray worked at the Poygan Cheese Factory and also had his own milk route. On occasion Ray would have to shovel out a farmer’s driveway before he could collect their milk. Ray met Esther Kratz through his younger sister. During courtship and if he had enough money, he would take Esther to the movies in Omro, it would cost 15 cents each. They were married at Trinity Lutheran Church, on June 3, 1942. Once married, Ray then took over the family farm. It was later in the mid 1940’s that that Ray sold the milk route to pay off their home and start their family.

Ray sold his cattle in 1958 and took a job at Winnebago State Hospital, now known as Winnebago Mental Health Institute. He retired from there at the age of 62. Ray and Esther enjoyed traveling especially after retirement. They took many wonderful trips starting with a trip to Europe.

Ray always had the mechanical talent and could fix anything. He used his talent by working on small engines, especially lawnmowers, if he couldn’t find a part for older engines, he’d make one. This kept his mind and hands busy, probably why his mind was sharp even on his last days. It wasn’t uncommon for a friend to stop by and keep him company, as Ray worked on his project. He typically didn’t charge anything unless he needed to purchase parts.

Ray was surrounded by great neighbors and friends. He always said, “if you want to have good neighbors, you have to be a good neighbor”.  He certainly was.

Ray and Esther were blessed with four children: Gary (Paula) Marks, Winneconne; Eileen (Joe) Bonnett, Beaver Dam; Joan (Scott) Johnson, Knapp; and Dale Marks, Omro; grandchildren, Jenny (Danny) Hunkin, Phoenix, Arizona; Ted (Gillian) King, Oshkosh; Candy (Dan) Cook, Oshkosh; Matt Marks, Oshkosh; Brian (Melinda) Bonnett, Terre Haute, Indiana; Courtney (Bob) Maher, Middleton; Jordan (Sarah) Bonnett, Oconomowoc; Tyson Hoeft, Menomonie; Carey Hoeft (Aaron Johnson), Eau Claire; great-grandchildren, Kendall and Jacob Hunkin, Braden and Declan King, Carissa Coats (Sean Royer), Angela and Branden Brzozowski, Sean and Drew Cook, Hadley, Aidyn, Lennon and Beckett Maher, Nathan, Emma, Samuel and Lucas Bonnett, Owen and Emmett Bonnett and Ivy Hoeft-Anhorn. Ray is also survived by his sister-in-law, Althea Marks, Fond du lac; and brother-in-law, Clair Retzlaff, Omro; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Along with his parents, Ray was also preceded in death by his wife, Esther Marks; sisters, Genevieve   Marks and Ethel (Marks) Piotter; brother, Merlin Marks; brother-in-law, Walter Piotter Sr.; nieces and nephews, Sandy Marks, Walter Piotter Jr. and Mary Piotter, Neil Retzlaff; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Louis Kratz, Louise and Clarence Wright, Norman and Lorraine Schneiter, Dick and Marie Derber, Orin and Marion Retzlaff, Ruth Retzlaff, Helen and Clarence "Bud" Lee.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, November 5, 2021, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. Visitation will continue on Saturday, November 6 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church 720 Jackson Ave. Omro. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Mark Wenzel officiating. Burial will be in the Borth Cemetery.

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.