Raymond Grell

Ray was born December 27, 1921, the son of the late Albert and Marie (Rau) Grell, in the Town of Hamburg, WI. Raymond was a man who lived his life with full dedication in all he undertook. On May 28, 1949, he married Ruth Schleif. Together they built a home with their three children and shared 61 years together.

He worked as a welder at Wausau Iron Works for 35 years. Even after retirement, Ray stayed busy, enjoying his numerous hobbies, including: the outdoors, woodworking, gardening, and feeding the squirrels. His family will miss his humorous and caring personality.

The pride he held for his country shone through in his service to the Army as part of the 32nd Red Arrow, Division 127, Company F. He was a decorated soldier, receiving the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Philippine Liberation Medal, and 3 Bronze Campaign Stars; all while serving during World War II, in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He continued his service to his country, after being honorably discharged, as a life-long member of the V.F.W., Purple Heart Association, D.A.V., American Legion, and the Wausau Emergency Police.

At the age of 89, Raymond Carl Grell died on February 20, 2011, at North Central Health Care Center, under the care of Ministry Hospice.

He is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 61 years, Ruth; son, Roger (Kathleen) Grell, Marathon, and their children, Elizabeth and Joanna; daughter, Nancy (Ken) Schmidt, Loyal, and their children, Paul (Nicky) Holbach, and their children, Tyler, Chastity, Alex, and Hailey; Wendy (Matt) Hartel, and their 2 children; and Tracy (Kyle) Lang, and their children, Aiden and Taelyn; and son, David (Geralynn) Grell, Wausau, and their children, Jacob and Brittany; and sister-in-law, Priscilla Grell, Wausau.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Alvin and Elroy Grell, and Alice Otto.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held at 6:00 pm., Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Reverend Gary Froseth will officiate. The family will receive guests the day of the service, at the church, beginning at 4:00 p.m., until the time of service. Entombment will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 24, 2011, at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, with full military honors by V.F.W. Burns Post, #388.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff on the Garden Crossing and Evergreen units at North Central Health Care for their outstanding care of Ray.