Raymond Roberts

Raymond Roberts, age 74, of Grafton, Wis., passed away after a lengthy illness Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, at the Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee.

He was born on Dec. 16, 1946, in Escanaba, Mich., the son of Hubert and Elsie Bryant Roberts.

As a young man, he moved to Milwaukee, where he entered the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. As a sergeant, Ray was a paratrooper who was awarded three Purple Hearts. He was very proud of his time serving his country.

In 1968, he married Elizabeth “Liz” Botz in Milwaukee, and eventually they made their way to Port Washington, which they would call home.

For many years, Ray worked at the former Telsmith Manufacturing Co. in Mequon.

Upon retiring from Telsmith in 2009, Ray and Liz moved to Door County. During his time in Door County, Ray earned a black belt in karate. He shared his love of karate by helping teach other students the art. After a few years in Door County, Ray and Liz returned to Port Washington.

Ray was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9290 in Fish Creek, Wis., Landt-Thiel American Legion Post 470 in Saukville, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and National Rifle Association (NRA). He was also the past governor of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1043 in Saukville and held many other lodge positions and committee assignements.

One of the things that Ray was most fond of was spending time meeting with fellow veterans at conventions and gatherings, talking and sharing experiences, making new friends and reading and watching documentaries on the war. Ray valued the camaraderie these gatherings provided in his life. He was also an avid deer hunter.

He is survived by his wife Liz; his daughter Melissa Houck, her husband and son; grandchildren Paige and Taylor Rammel; his sister Denise (Richard “Dick”) Weber; his brothers Tom (Alice), Dennis (Janet) and Noel (Janet) Roberts; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Amy Roberts Rammel.

Ray will be sincerely missed by those he has left here and will be received with love by those who have been waiting for him there.

A gathering to celebrate Ray’s life will take place in the future.

 Memorials to the Honor Flight (www.honorflight.org) are appreciated.

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.  Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or (262) 284-4431.