Raymond Casey

Raymond Joseph Casey, 74, of the Town of Sterling, died peacefully at home on July 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after a short battle with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Ray was born Sept. 24, 1950, in New Richmond to Robert and Darlene (Beauvais) Casey. They continued to live in New Richmond and Ray was raised there. On New Year's Eve 1968, he met the love of his life, Donna Schmidt, at Richardson's Bar in Clayton. They were both at the bar that evening for a New Year's Eve Celebration when Donna Schmidt spotted Ray from across the bar. When it struck midnight, she made her way up to him and as she later recalled, "I just gave him a big kiss, and the rest is history." They married in August 1969 and raised two sons, Chad and Jeremy, in New Richmond.

While raising his boys, hockey became a major part of family life. Both sons played the sport from a young age through high school, and Ray was actively involved- even helping throughout the years. He was proud to support them on and off the ice.

Over the years, Ray worked in many roles. He was employed in maintenance at Parker, owned a siding business with his family, worked as a handyman, and later joined his wife and son in baking pastries at a local bakery in Frederic.

He had a passion for drawing growing up, particularly wildlife, and he was good at it. Ray also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. For many years, his home became a gathering place during Wisconsin's gun deer season, where he created cherished memories with family and friends. He was especially fond of ice fishing, trout fishing, and smelting- always returning to his favorite hidden spots, or "honey holes," known only to his family and close friends.

Later in life, Ray developed a love for rock hunting, especially for agates. He often brought his granddaughter along and teased her for collecting more "pretty rocks" than agates. He polished and cut his finds, crafting beautiful tabletops and lamp shades from the stones.

Ray was known for his stubborn streak and fondness for always needing something to grumble about, but he was also kind, and would do anything for his family and friends. He loved his family and enjoyed nothing more than sharing his hobbies with his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Donna Casey, who passed in 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer; his brother, Robert Casey; uncle Louis "Bud" Beauvais; aunt Marie Beauvais; grandson Taylor Casey; nephew Jason Casey; grandniece Leagh Casey; grandnephew Brett Casey; niece Charity Casey; and cousins Michael "Mike" Casey and Cheryl Erickson.

He is survived by his sons, Jeremy (Sonya) Casey and Chad (Terri) Casey; sister, Sharon (Kermit) Schleicher; brother, George Casey; grandchildren, Cody, Kayla, Tanner, Austin (Makenna) and Kadin; great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Knox; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Adoray Hospice for helping to keep him comfortable at the end of his battle, especially to Felicia, one of the nurses. He always enjoyed your visits and your company.

A celebration of life will be held in August for family and friends to remember Ray. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.