DOUGLAS RAY
Douglas Ray, age 42 of Hammond, formerly of Wilson died unexpectedly Tuesday, February 21st.
Doug was born on May 7, 1974 in Baldwin; the son of Norma (Sue) and Jimmy Anderson and Glen Ray. He attended elementary school in Baldwin before graduating from St. Croix Central High School. He studied at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire briefly before taking a position as a manager of a herd at an elk farm in Spring Valley. He was a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Doug was a hard worker who was good with his hands. He began working as a machine operator for Loparex in Hammond where he worked many years. Most recently, he worked for Andersen Windows again as a machine operator.
Doug was a kind man of few words. The outdoors and family he held in his heart. The most joy he has felt was the moment he became a dad to Morgan. He loved her more than anything. Doug enjoyed going to her softball games, or watching his nieces Kadyn and Madison at their sporting events. Doug had a great appreciation for the outdoors. Hunting with the guys near Wilson or elk hunting in Colorado were so special. He also enjoyed fishing, whether local lakes, Canada trips, or salmon fishing with his daughter Morgan were most memorable. In fact, he even spent a couple summers working on an Alaskan fishing charter boat. He enjoyed playing softball, golfing at Glen Hills, bowling, playing pool, and watching the Vikings play. Furthermore, he served as a trustee for the Village of Wilson.
Doug will be remembered by his daughter Morgan Gedatus; parents Sue (Jim) Anderson of Hammond, Glen Ray of Woodville; sister Kelly (Matt) Berg of Hudson, brother Barry (Becky) Ray of Henderson, NV; step siblings Scott (Lori) Anderson of Hammond, Carrie (Rich) Hippauf of Amery, Angie (Brian) Blodgett of Baldwin; nieces and nephews Madison, Kadyn, Balen, and Bodhi, as well as other nieces and nephews of the Anderson side; many aunts, uncles and cousins and father-in-heart Buzz Johnson. He is preceded in death by his mother-in-heart Karen Johnson.
A Memorial Service for Doug Ray was held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 27th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin. Visitation was held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials are preferred. The family strongly encourages wearing camouflage or Viking apparel.