Ray Osness

Raymond “Ray” W. Osness, age 82 passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 14, 2016. Ray was born on December 14, 1933 in Antigo, WI to the late Oscar and Lucinda (nee Kroeplin) Osness. Ray was raised in Merrill, WI on the family farm with his twelve siblings. After leaving home, Ray attended Teacher’s College, DeVry College studying Electronics Communications and then entered into the United States Army. He later went on to become the youngest County Clerk of Lincoln County. After working in the state government, Ray relocated to Port Washington in 1974 where he worked in Municipal Financing for almost 40 years. Ray was united in marriage to Darlene Fellbaum on December 28, 1987. In his younger years, Ray enjoyed hunting and playing ball with his brothers and nephews. Ray’s love of sports and competitive spirit carried down to his daughters. After retiring Ray enjoyed reading, listening to opera, puzzles, Tetris on Gameboy and later his Sudoku puzzles. He was also an avid Packers and Brewers fan. Ray had a very generous nature and a big heart. He enjoyed family work and play and appreciated the great outdoors from hay fields to ball fields and the skies constellations. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ray is survived by his loving wife Darlene Osness, Children: Lucinda "Lou" Kay Osness, Karyn Rae Schwenner and Shirley Lynne Hatfield: former wife of 22 years Rita K. Penkwitz: step children Bruce (Pat) Plautz, Greg Plautz, Dale Plautz and Darrell (Carmin) Plautz: 21 grandchildren: 18 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild on the way :Four Sisters Betty Latzig, Elayne (Richard) Ollmann, Phyllis (Ralph) Buch and Janet Beyer-Thums all of Merrill: three sisters-in-law, Carol Osness (wife of Dale) and Faye Jean Osness (wife of David) and Carol Osness (wife of Allen, Sr.) all of Merrill. Ray is further survived by many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Ray was preceded in death by two sisters, Linda Osness and Virginia (Matt) Severt: six brothers, Harry (Betty) Osness, Ervin "Jack”Osness, Oscar (Merrill) Osness, Jr., Dale Osness, David Osness and Allen Osness, Sr. One Brother-in-Law, Walter Latzig and dear best friend Byron Krueger. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Christ the King Lutheran Church (420 W. Whitefish Road, Port Washington) at 6:00 P.M. with Pastor Jonathan Breimeier officiating. The family will receive visitors at the church from 4:00 P.M. until the time of the service. A memorial service for Ray will be celebrated on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church (300 Logan Street, Merrill) at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Dr. Dennis R. Creswell officiating. The family will receive visitors at the church from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for various charities. Gone from our lives forever, but never gone from our hearts.