Raymond Alfred Louis, born January 12, 1941, in Hillsdale, passed away on May 18, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. He was born to Alfred and Ellen Louis at the home of Mildred Greenwood, his great-aunt and midwife, and was raised in the countryside of Hillsdale where he developed the strong work ethic and quiet strength that defined his life.

Raymond attended school in Barron, graduating in 1959. After high school, he worked in the woods skinning logs before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force. He enlisted on August 16, 1959, completing basic training in Texas before continuing electronics training in Mississippi, specializing in radios and navigation equipment. His one claim to fame while in the Air Force was that he was deployed to Florida during the Cuban missile crisis and got to meet President Kennedy.

Although he hoped to be stationed overseas or on one of the coasts, fate brought him to Madison, where he met the love of his life. Raymond and his wife, Patricia dated for six months before marrying in December, 1962. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, devotion, and family.

After his military service, Raymond worked for AT&T in Whitewater, and later learned house wiring while working in a trailer park business. In 1964, the couple returned home to Hillsdale and moved into the house where Raymond had grown up.

Raymond worked for Fabri-Tek in Amery for four years. In December 1966, he and his wife adopted their son, Kevin. Shortly afterward, Raymond began farming in January 1968. Later that year, in August, twin daughters Debbie and Denise were born. Raymond and his wife farmed together until 1991, building a life centered around family and community.

After farming, Raymond worked for Mervin Hanson at Hanson Hardwood for eight years and later spent another eight years with OK Construction building power lines. He concluded his working years at the Social Security office, retiring in January 2006.

Raymond deeply enjoyed retirement alongside his beloved wife until her passing in November, 2013. He cherished spending time with his children and family and found joy in the simple blessings of life, hard work, and home.

He will be remembered for his dedication to family, his service to his country, his unwavering work ethic, and the kindness and steadiness he brought to those around him.

Raymond is lovingly survived by his children, Kevin (Ginger), Debbie (Todd) Benson and Denise Cole; grandchildren, Abigail, Kaleb, Rachel, Mika, Curtiss, Jordan, Kesha, Brandon, Zach, Wyatt, Derek and Zoe; and 9 great-grandchildren; along with many family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents and those family members who welcomed him home.

A memorial service will be held at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron on Saturday, June 6 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Kevin Louis will be speaking at 11:00 a.m.

Last Update: May 22, 2026 8:17 am CDT