Raymond Earl Anderson, age 80, of Clintonville, passed away Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 peacefully in his home. Ray was born on December 23, 1938 in Berlin, New Hampshire to Barney and Beatrice (Clavette) Anderson.
He graduated from Berlin High School in 1957, then served briefly in the United States Marine Reserves. On February 24th, 1962 he was united in marriage to Irene Patricia Gray of Lancaster, New Hampshire. Together they raised four children: Aubrey, Raymond Jr., Rodney, and Raelene. Ray proudly supported his family by operating his own taxi service, "Ray's Taxi" in Lancaster and working at a paper mill in Groveton, New Hampshire. In 1974 the family moved to Wisconsin. Upon their arrival, Ray worked briefly as a custodian for Manawa Public Schools. The family soon permanently settled in Clintonville, where Ray worked as a custodian at the Four Wheel Drive for several years and made many friends.
Ray's greatest joy in life was telling people about his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He genuinely loved everyone he met and was a walking testament to God's love. His best times were spent playing with his grandchildren, making trips to Shawano for flea markets or strawberry shortcake, and trekking to Shiocton on the special occasions he got to enjoy fried chicken, fish, and ice cream at his favorite restaurant, Romy's. Over the years Ray enjoyed trips back to New Hampshire, deer hunting, gardening, and making his famous chocolate chip cookies and fudge (recipes which he took to the grave). You could usually find him drinking coffee with his best friend Dave and other family & friends, "out back" splitting fire wood, or walking around town where people would instantly recognize him by his favorite hat, which seldom left his head.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Irene; four children: Aubrey Anderson, Raymond Anderson Jr., Rodney (Jodi) Anderson, and Raelene Anderson; three grandchildren: Katelyn Pivot, Amber Anderson, and Michael Anderson; and two great-granddaughters, Emily Rae Pivot and Ella Mae Fritz. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Beatrice Anderson, his mother and father-in-law, Aubrey and Geraldine Gray, his sister, Nancy Berndt, and his grand-son-in-law, Lawrence "L.J." Pivot.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 9th, 2019 at 5:00 PM at Christ Congregational Church (70 S. Main St., Clintonville, WI) with Pastor Jill Meyer officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 3:00 PM till the time of the service. A spring burial will take place at the Graceland cemetery in Clintonville. Newcomer-Green Bay Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.