Ray Kurkowski was born on Dec. 8, 1952 to Bernard (“Ben”) and Frances Kurkowski, in Grantsburg, Wis. After graduation from Frederic High School in 1972, he worked for Sears & Roebuck, in Minneapolis, and later returned to Wisconsin, becoming a lineman for Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company, where he worked for 44 years before retiring.

On Aug. 8, 1986, he married Kordi Risvold. Kordi embraced Alison and Rick as family, and the couple began adding more children: Andrew, Haley , Ray Jr. and Benjamin. His children never had to ask if they were making him proud, it was obvious they were one of the greatest joys of his life. Ray considered his children and especially his grandchildren the part of his life that made him truly a rich man.

Ray also loved his work as a lineman for Northwestern Electric Company. He thought of his teammates at work as part of his family. Many a Wednesday evening, Ray and Kordi would host dinner parties for the whole Frederic Northwestern team and their children. A couple of those children – one of them Ray Jr. – eventually became linemen. Ray Sr. felt great pride and joy in the opportunity to work side by side with his son, Ray, before retiring.

Ray freely gave of his joy with a bright smile and a warm hug for those he came in contact with. He was always ready to help a friend whether it was out on the farm with Marty, tending to the chickens, turkeys and cows, or roasting meat at social gatherings throughout Polk county. You could depend on that smile being around during Charlie Lewis Days and Frederic Family Days. While he didn’t always have a lot to say, he truly loved being around everyone.

In 2010, following the sudden death of Kordi’s father, Alan Risvold, Ray and Kordi purchased Risvold Wetlands in West Sweden Township from Kordi’s family. They worked together to complete a project to safeguard the 120-acre property for wildlife. Kordi says that, had it not been for Ray, the project could never have been completed.

Ray loved the outdoors. Whether it was whitetail deer, turkeys, geese, duck, pheasant or whatever the game, he could tag it. There are many stories that his kids and friends could reference about the trophies he has pulled out of the woods. What he loved most about the sport was how it brought people together. His sons can remember him tearing up at the end of the whitetail season. He cherished that time in November more than any other because this time was special and he got to spend it with those he loved. Of course, he would always be excited to tag his own animal, but the real smiles and pride came with training his children and watching them take interest in something they could do together.

The men at American Legion Post 249 (Frederic) sent a message that said - Although not a vet himself, Ray was one of the biggest supporters of veteran causes. Ray never missed a flag placing or Memorial Day program and was at any event the Legion put on. He also put in countless hours working and volunteering for the VFW.

Ray is survived by his wife Kordi; daughters Alison (Josh) Sampson, Haley (Nolan) Kurkowski; sons Rick (Alicia) Kurkowski, Andrew (Heidi) Kurkowski, Ray Jr. (Megan) Kurkowski, Benjamin (Sarah) Kurkowski; and 14 grandchildren; brothers: James, Leo, Michael, Charles; sisters: Bunny, Peggy and Kathryn.

He is preceded in death by his Father Bernard Kurkowski, Mother Frances Kurkowski, brothers: Bernard, John, Patrick and sister: Mary.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 6, Visitation at 9am, Service at 11am. Lunch to follow. United Methodist Church, 100 Linden St, Frederic.

Last Update: Apr 01, 2026 9:22 am CDT