Raymond “Ray” Larson, age 83, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on
Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Eastcastle Place in Milwaukee.
Ray was born on January 24, 1939, to Ray and LaRaine (Spencer) Larson in Mankato, MN. He
graduated from Lake Crystal High School and then started his secondary education at Luther
College in Decorah, Iowa, before completing his degree at Mankato State University. While
attending Mankato State University, Ray was also on the wrestling team. Ray had four children
from his first marriage, Kelly, Eric, Evan, and Morgan. In December of 1979, Ray was united in
marriage to Mary (Hallgren) Larson who had three children that Ray helped raise as his own,
Amelia, Eric, and Paul.
Ray Larson was an avid fisherman and in his spare time you could always find him on his
favorite river or lake. Raymond taught Biology and Advanced Biology at South High School in
Sheboygan, WI, for over 30 years but his passion was always the outdoors. Raymond loved to
fish and hunt and helped manage a charter fishing boat, The Deep Six, for many years sharing
his passion for fishing with people from around the country. Ray was also an active member of
many organizations, such as the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) and Trout Unlimited. After his
retirement from teaching, Ray pursued his fishing passion further by launching Osprey Guide
Service, guiding clients on fishing expeditions throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
When not on a river or lake fishing, Ray could be found in the kitchen making some amazing
chicken dumpling soup from scratch or grilling up some freshly caught fish. Ray was a wrestling
referee at both the high school and collegiate levels for over 20 years as well as a women’s
varsity fast-pitch softball coach at South High for many years.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Mary; children, Kelly (Carl Newman) Larson, Eric
Carlson, Evan (Karen) Larson-Voltz, Morgan (Daniel) Sisson, Amelia (David) Zastava, Eric
(Monica) Thielhelm, and Paul (Mary Lynn Schneider) Thielhelm; grandchildren, Christopher and
Corbin Carlson, Libby and Greta Voltz-Larson, Emily Sisson, Cole and Christian Zastava, Erica and
Andres Thielhelm, and Caroline Thielhelm; brother, Richard (Claudia) Larson; nephews, Shawn
(Chelsea Bookout) Larson and Shayne Larson; niece, Shannon (Mike) Juergens;
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and LaRaine (Spencer) Larson; and sister, Roxie
Larson.
A public visitation will be held for Ray from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at
Zimmer-Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center (W2132 Garton Road, Sheboygan, WI
53083). A time of memory sharing will take place after his visitation at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ray’s name.
If you would like to leave a message of sympathy for Raymond’s family, please visit
www.zimmerfuneralhome.com.
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