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Obituary for Raymond Valentine Ladewig

Raymond Valentine Ladewig, 96, of Wind Lake, Wis., passed away peacefully Friday morning on Jan. 27, 2023, surrounded by his children and wife. Raymond was lovingly known as Ray by his doting wife, Valerie. Ray was born on Valentine’s Day Feb. 14, 1926, in Milwaukee, Wis.

Ray, a veteran of World War II, was a machinist’s mate in the South Pacific theatre for the US Navy. After the war, he returned home and married Valerie Spade on Sept. 10, 1949. Together they were blessed with 12 children. 

Ray loved landscaping, gardening, and woodworking; an avid agriculturist, he was ahead of his time practicing composting methods that impacted the abundant beauty that was showcased in his gardens.

Raymond Valentine “Ray” Ladewig – Courtesy of Integrity Celebrations Center

Ray was a loving father, always displaying admiration for his children. His presence brought a sense of stability, calmness and security to them. Fondly known as Grandpa, he doted on his grandchildren. He embraced them all with a warm comforting hug. His grandchildren loved him and will truly miss his welcoming and loving smile.

Ray Ladewig (Dad, Grandpa) is survived by his wife Valerie and by his 12 children: Chris, Jeff, Karen, Mary, Karla, David, Theresa, Paul, Ann, Becky, Rachel, and Daniel; 28 grandchildren: Michelle, Kristy, Ryan, Stefanie, Gavin, Amy, Hope, Adam, Brent, Shawn, Michael, Britney, Kayla, Noah, Joleen, Izaak, Jared, Ray, Juliet, Matthew, Sofia, Joseph, Nicholas, Isabel, Roman, Nathanial, Audrey, Mark; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services

There will be a visitation for Ray Ladewig at St. Clare Catholic Church, 7616 Fritz St., Wind Lake, Wis., on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, from 10 to 11:50 a.m., with a Mass at noon, followed by a celebration of Ray’s life at Integrity Celebration Center, 2789 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington, from 1 until 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations in Ray Ladewig’s honor to be made to St. Clare Catholic Church’s Grounds Committee. 

“I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.”