Edward "Ed" G. Ray

Edward "Ed" Gene Ray, 75, of Eau Claire, WI passed away on November 7, 2025 at his home in the Woodspire Apartments. 

Edward was born August 29, 1950, in River Falls, WI to Marvin James Ray and Olivia (Bjork) Ray. He was married to his loving wife Flora May (Weishaar) Ray at Ezekiel Lutheran Church on August 29, 1971.  To this union two sons were born: Jeremy (1975) and Adam (1979).  Edward graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in 1972 and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi. He worked at Ogden Engineering as a surveyor during summers while going to college. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army Reserve 652nd Engineer Company  (Float Bridge) in Ellsworth, WI serving for 11 years acheiving the rank of Sergeant. He began employment with Jerome Foods in Barron, WI (now Jenni-O Turkey Store) in 1973 starting out as credit manager and later promoted to accounting manager and retiring after 38 years.  During that time, he also served as a Notary Public.

He actively nurtured the growth of his two boys: often taking them fishing, especially on the nearby Prairie Lake and Rice Lake; having them help with various home projects; and by leading the local Cub Scouts as Cubmaster and later as District Commissioner for the Chippewa Valley Council receiving the District Award of Merit in 1996. He was proud to have raised two Eagle Scouts.  Throughout his life Edward also enjoyed swimming, playing pool, volleyball with friends at work, building and racing 1:24 scale slot-cars, watching the Green Bay Packers on TV or at Lambeau Field, biking, walking, and Volksmarching.

Edward is preceded in death by his parents Marvin James Ray (d 1964) and Olivia Mae (Bjork) Ray (d 1965) at age 14 and then raised by his Aunt Frances Cecelia (Bjork – Olivia’s sister) Ray (d 1999) and her 2nd husband Orville F. “Swede” Weishaar (d 2008).  He is also preceded in death by his sister Nancy Lundgaard her husband Gary and their granddaughter Olivia; brother William and his wife Bernadine; sister Avis Hays; brother-in-law Leroy Lundgaard; and special sister cousins Judy Ann Durden, and Carol Jean Simpson and her husband Paul.

He is survived by his wife Flora May; his son Jeremy (Sherry) and their daughter Jasmine; his son Adam (Sophie) and his stepson Corey; sister Ella Lundgaard; brother Leslie (Cindy) Ray; special sister cousin Betty (Curlee) Percey; and many nieces and nephews. Special appreciation to family friends Joel Scwartz and Tammi Klubunde.

A memorial service for Ed will take place at 11 am on Saturday November 15, 2025 at Hulke Family Funeral Home with family friend, Dan Rhody officiating.  Memorial visitation will take place at the funeral home on that day from 10 am until the time of service.  A private family burial will take place at a later date.  

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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