Raymond A. Gerth Jr., age 67, of Friendship, Wisconsin died June 28, 2007 at the Wm S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Shorewood Hills, Wisconsin.
A celebration of life gathering will be 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2007 at the Hunter’s Nest in Muskego, Wisconsin. Military honors will presented at 7:00 p.m.
There will also be a gathering on Sunday, July 8th, 2007 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for family and friends at his daughters home 2061 Hwy Z, Friendship, WI.
Ray was born July 6, 1939 in Muskego, Wisconsin to Raymond A. and Jeanette (Taylor) Gerth Sr. Ray served in Marine Corps. He took over his fathers, Gerth Heating & Air Conditioning. Ray and his brother, Joseph worked together as partners for many years. He married LaVonne Swisher on April 13, 1984 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Ray and LaVonne owned and operated the Pioneer Inn in Muskego, WI in 1980s. Ray retired in April of 1994 due to health issues. He then moved Adams County where he lived out his life.
Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman, tinkering in his garage, gardening, bird watching, and spending time with good friend, Bucko Buddy Doug. He was a fantastic father, a terrific grandfather, and a wonderful, loving husband to his wife, to whom he cherished.
Ray was preceded in death by parents; his first wife, Rosemary; and his sisters.
Survivors:
Wife: LaVonne Gerth of Friendship, Wisconsin
Brother: Joseph (Kathleen) Gerth of Muskego, Wisconsin
Son: Allen (Kim) Gerth of Big Bend, Wisconsin
Son: Stephen Gerth of Muskego, Wisconsin
2 Grandchildren
Step-Child: Daniel Middleton of FL
Step-Child: Nicholas Smith of Oregon, Wisconsin
Step-Child: Jolene Williams of Friendship, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Dylanray Williams of Friendship, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Joshua Williams of Friendship, Wisconsin
Grandchild: Stephen Williams of Friendship, Wisconsin
Life long friends: Douglas and Ann Kurth of Big Bend, Wisconsin
Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
I have fond memories of my Uncle Ray when I was a child. I can still remember him and his brother Uncle Joe tickling us Platz kids (Our mother was his sister Barbara)and horsing around with us kids at family christmas parties at Grandpa Joe’s house in Muskego in the 1950s.I was amazed at the elaborate snow forts they would build. I was proud of him being in the Marines.
semper fi marine we know who are guarding the gates in heaven. i am sure we will stand a watch together. condolences to the family.
don hutchinson, usmc
Sorry to hear about Ray. I miss the old times at the Pioneer Inn.