Raymond Otto "Ray" Ruechel, age 98, of Pulaski, passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021 in Shawano. Ray was born on October 5,1922, in Shawano County to the late William A. and Marie (Raether) Ruechel. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Cicero, and was united in marriage to Arlene Moes on July 19, 1945 at Immanuel. Arlene preceded him in death on September 7, 2015. Ray was born and lived on the same dairy farm in the Town of Lessor his entire life and Ray and Arlene continued to farm there. Ray had great pride in his home farm. He also worked at Murphy Construction as a dump truck driver for 30 years and loved listening to polka music. His quick wit and sense of humor was enjoyed by all. He was never afraid to get straight to the point. Ray worked hard his entire life and he instilled that work ethic in his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ray is survived by: his children, Darrel (JoAnn) Ruechel of Appleton, Bonnie (Don) Shepard of Pulaski, Rosemarie (Rodney) Busch of Oshkosh, and Geraldine (Doug) Druckrey of Bonduel; his grandchildren, Linda (Bob) Slaby, Debby (Steve) Manske, Rhonda (Dan) Prill, Alan Ruechel, Scott (Theresa) Shepard, Sheila (John) Fassbender, Julie (Greg) Stoltenow, Mark (Karisa) Shepard, Amanda (Travis) Bricco, Gregory (Nina) Busch, Matthew (Andrene) Busch, Jeff (Sierra) Druckrey, and Laura (Brian) Witz; 26 great grandchildren; his brothers Jerald (Carol) Ruechel and William E. Ruechel; his sisters-in-law Virginia Moes and Carol Moes, and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Judy (Ken) Olsen. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Arlene; his parents; his sisters-in-law, Gert Ruechel and Eleanor VanLanen; his brothers-in-law, Milton Wickesberg, Vernon VanLanen, Arthur Moes, and Kenneth Moes; and a daughter-in-law, Donna Ruechel.

A private funeral service was held for Ray at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Cicero. Rev. Ben Williams officiated. Burial was in Our Savior Cemetery in the Town of Lessor.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at the Meadow View Estates in Bonduel and ThedaCare Medical Center- Shawano for the loving care they provided.