Raymond Valentine Ladewig, 96, of Wind Lake, passed away peacefully Friday morning, Jan. 27, 2023, surrounded by his children and wife. His doting wife, Valerie, lovingly knew Raymond as Ray. He was born on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1926, in Milwaukee.
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.
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 is survived by his wife Valerie; 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 ten great grandchildren.
There will be a visitation at St. Clare Catholic Church, 7616 Fritz St. Wind Lake, on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, from 10 to 11:50 a.m. with a Mass at noon. A celebration of Ray’s life will follow at Integrity Celebration Center, 2789 Browns Lake Dr., Burlington, from 1 to 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations in Ray’s honor to be made to St. Clare Catholic Church’s Grounds Committee.
Well-wishers may visit www.integrityfamilies.com.
“I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.”
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