Raymond Heiser

When you think of Ray Heiser, you think "Rib Mountain". Ray's passion and eternal optimism for this township shined in everything he did. He was Town Supervisor from 1972-77, Town Chairman from 1977-87 and 1991-2003. During his administration he helped create positions to include a full time Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Zoning Administrator, and Town Administrator. He actively helped develop Doepke Park, secure funding for South Mountain School, and was a Friend of Rib Mountain State Park. The one project that he was most proud of was playing a key role in developing the Rib Mountain Sanitary District. He worked together with Rothschild and Weston to eliminate problems with septic systems and existing wells. Heiser was affectionately called the father of the Rib Mountain Sanitary Sewer and Water District for his untiring efforts by working many hours to accomplish bringing sewer and water to the Rib Mountain area. He was the Chairman of the Rib Mountain Metro Sewage District, which now accepts sewage from Rib Mountain, Rothschild, Schofield, and Kronenwetter and also provides water service to the Rib Mountain Area. Ray's work in pushing for this project paved the way for Rib Mountain to increase its residential and commercial growth.


Ray was a strong willed and optimistic individual, even when his health wasn't 100%. After several years of fighting some very difficult health issues, Ray passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2009 at Hospice House at the age of 80. He was born October 24, 1928 in Wisconsin Rapids to the late Harold and Martha (Potratz) Heiser. After graduating from Wausau Senior High School in 1947, Ray was employed by the City of Wausau Engineering Department. Ray later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. The same year Ray graduated from the UW, he married Nancy Allds on November 4th at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. In 1967 Ray became vice-president of the family business, Heiser Ready Mix Co, overseeing concrete specifications until 1972. Another of Ray's passions was attending UW and Green Bay Packer football games with Nancy. Ray was a well known Badger fan, almost always wearing something red and white. For over 40 years, he has had season tickets for both teams and even cheered the Packers while attending the "Ice Bowl". He enjoyed planting trees, feeding and watching the birds, and taking care of his three Pug dogs. Ray was also an avid history and WWII buff. He always kept up on current events, reading 6 to 7 newspapers a day. Ray loved hearing a good story, but loved telling one even more. He was a people type person and enjoyed helping people.


Ray also held many instrumental government positions on a county and state level. He was past member of the Marathon County Board of Supervisors, past chairman of the Marathon County Planning Commission, past vice-chairman of the Marathon County Finance Committee, past member of the Marathon County Legislative Committee, Marathon County Solid Waste Management Board, Marathon County Highway Safety Commission, past chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, past vice chairman of the Marathon County Personnel Committee, past member of the Council on Small and Minority Business Opportunities, past chairman of the Selective Service Commission, and Governor Jim Doyle appointed him to the Optometry Examining Board-Regulation and Licensing. Locally, Ray was past chairman of the Wausau-Central Wisconsin Convention and Visitors Bureau, past president of the Homme Home-Wittenberg Foundation Board, member of the Wausau Elks Lodge #248, and received an honorable discharge from the Army National Guard. He was a staunch supporter of the UW, where he was past chairman of the Mendota Gridiron Club and life member of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.


Survivors include his wife, Nancy, his daughter, Tiffany (Jeff) Voigt and their children, Mason Lee, Avery Raye, and Delaney Reeve all of Rib Mountain. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and infant brother, James.


Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 27, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Reverend Gary Schultz will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.


Because Ray knew so many people, we invite you to please share your favorite stories with us when you sign the online guest book or by mailing  your story directly to Nancy.


Thank you.