Ray was a partner and manager of the former Mueller's Supermarket and Laundromat in Gillett, for over 30 years. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Town of Gillett, where he served as president. He was a member of the Gillett Volunteer Fire Dept. for over 50 years, a charter member of the Gillett Area Ambulance and a charter member of the Gillett Lions Club, where he received the Melvin Jones Award. Ray served as Oconto County Deputy Coroner for many years and was a former EMT and Red Cross first aid instructor. He served as Gillett Mayor and was a member of the Gillett Water and Sewer Commission in which he served as president. He received the Rural Urban award in 1986, Ray was a charter member of the Oconto County Ducks Unlimited and the Lone Oak Gun Club of Gillett. He was a delegate of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and a member of the Gillett Sportsmen's Club. Community service was Ray's life.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Kay, Gillett; his daughter, Marilyn J. Mueller, Tabernacle, N.J.; three sisters and one brother- in-law, Viola and Leonard Schuettpelz, Suring; Emma and Esther Mueller, Gillett; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including Ed, Debbie and Beth Erickson, Gillett. He is also survived by his 'Good Dawg", Misti. Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Sylvia Mueller.
Friends called at the Kuehl Funeral Home, Gillett. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 30, 1999, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Town of Gillett with the Rev. Ronald M. Andresen officiating. Interment in Wanderers Rest Cemetery, Gillett.