Raymond R. Schirmer, 87, of Wausau, passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born on November 7, 1928 to Raymond and Clara (Hein) Schirmer in Rib Lake, WI. He married Carolyn Hengst in Rib Lake on May 11, 1957.
Ray attended schools in Rib Lake and Medford while growing up and then attended college at UW-River Falls where he studied Agricultural Sciences. After he completed college he taught high school science. Later, he moved to Chicago and began working at Three Arrows Radiators. In 1964, Ray returned to the area and purchased the former A & D Radiators in Wausau with his brother, Glenn, and father, Ray, Sr. They formed the family business, Glen-ray Radiators, which continues to be operated by his sons, R.C. and Bob.
In addition to his work Ray was also very active with organizations in the community and enjoyed being a part of the Wausau Antique Auto Club, Northern Lakes Region AACA, National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, Ducks Unlimited, Marathon County Fish and Game Club, and the Jim Beam Bottle Club. He was active with the Scouts as an assistant Scout Master with Troop 414, was an amateur photographer, and liked the hunt for antiques.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn; children, R.C. (Sharon), Bob (Michelle), Russ, and Ron; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Pearl Hubbard, Irving Schirmer, Glenn Schirmer, Carole Jari, Patsy Biddle, Kathy Deicher, and Adrienne Schneider; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Clara; step-mother, Margaret; brother, Robert Schirmer; and daughter-in-law, Jeanne Schirmer.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, with Rev. Jennifer Dahle of St. Stephen Lutheran Church officiating. Family and friends may call on Monday, December 21, beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home and again on Tuesday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at a later date in Rib Lake.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI) of Antigo, WI, www.raptoreducationgroup.org/donate or Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center of Rock Springs, WI, www.wisconsinbigcats.org.
A special thank you to the staff of Mt. View Care Center Rehab – Southshore Unit and Aspirus Wausau Hospital Palliative Care Unit for the exceptional care provided to Ray.
Visitation
Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Services
302 Spruce Street
Wausau, WI 54401
Monday, December 21, 2015
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Service
Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Services
302 Spruce Street
Wausau, WI 54401
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
11:00 AM