Raymond "Ray" Larson

Raymond “Ray” Larson, age 83, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Eastcastle Place in Milwaukee.

Ray was born on January 24, 1939, to Ray and LaRaine (Spencer) Larson in Mankato, MN. He graduated from Lake Crystal High School and then started his secondary education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, before completing his degree at Mankato State University. While attending Mankato State University, Ray was also on the wrestling team. Ray had four children from his first marriage, Kelly, Eric, Evan, and Morgan. In December of 1979, Ray was united in marriage to Mary (Hallgren) Larson who had three children that Ray helped raise as his own, Amelia, Eric, and Paul.

Ray Larson was an avid fisherman and in his spare time you could always find him on his favorite river or lake. Raymond taught Biology and Advanced Biology at South High School in Sheboygan, WI, for over 30 years but his passion was always the outdoors. Raymond loved to fish and hunt and helped manage a charter fishing boat, The Deep Six, for many years sharing his passion for fishing with people from around the country. Ray was also an active member of many organizations, such as the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) and Trout Unlimited. After his retirement from teaching, Ray pursued his fishing passion further by launching Osprey Guide Service, guiding clients on fishing expeditions throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

When not on a river or lake fishing, Ray could be found in the kitchen making some amazing chicken dumpling soup from scratch or grilling up some freshly caught fish. Ray was a wrestling referee at both the high school and collegiate levels for over 20 years as well as a women’s varsity fast-pitch softball coach at South High for many years.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Mary; children, Kelly (Carl Newman) Larson, Eric Carlson, Evan (Karen) Larson-Voltz, Morgan (Daniel) Sisson, Amelia (David) Zastava, Eric (Monica) Thielhelm, and Paul (Mary Lynn Schneider) Thielhelm; grandchildren, Christopher and Corbin Carlson, Libby and Greta Voltz-Larson, Emily Sisson, Cole and Christian Zastava, Erica and Andres Thielhelm, and Caroline Thielhelm; brother, Richard (Claudia) Larson; nephews, Shawn (Chelsea Bookout) Larson and Shayne Larson; niece, Shannon (Mike) Juergens;

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and LaRaine (Spencer) Larson; and sister, Roxie Larson.

A public visitation will be held for Ray from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Zimmer-Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center (W2132 Garton Road, Sheboygan, WI 53083). A time of memory sharing will take place after his visitation at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ray’s name.

If you would like to leave a message of sympathy for Raymond’s family, please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com.