Raymond M. Jahns

Raymond “Ray” Merlin Jahns, age 96, of Brandon, WI, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, June 6, 2026, after a short bout with pancreatic cancer. He was born August 27, 1929, to the late Walter and Viola (Redman) Jahns.

Ray was born in Green Lake County and attended Utley Grade School. After the school closed, he spent one year at Prairie View School, also in Green Lake County. After graduating from grade school, Ray’s parents moved to a farm in Fond du Lac County between Brandon and Fairwater, so Ray attended high school in Brandon, where he graduated in 1947.

After leaving high school, Ray was employed by a variety of companies, including the Fairwater canning factory, a shoe factory, and a cement block factory. He also worked as a hired farmhand and as a bus driver for Laper’s Garage, Fairwater.

In 1950 Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion, 127 Infantry, 32nd Division. He served as the company artificer (highly skilled at maintaining weapons) until he was honorably discharged in 1956.

Ray married Lorene Smit on June 6, 1953, at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairwater. Coincidentally, Ray died on their anniversary, so they were able to celebrate together again. At the time of their marriage, Ray and Lorene took over the family farm, where they raised five children and worked for many years.

Ray served on the Fond du Lac County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) committee and was also a member of the Round Prairie school board.  In later years, he became a member of the Fairwater Historical Society. He was the last surviving alumnus of the Utley Grade School. He gave interesting talks at presentations about the Utley Ghost Town and was affectionately known as “Mr. Utley.” Ray loved to work on his antique tractor, a John Deere 1956 420, which he restored from the ground up and was proud to show off in parades.

Ray was very active in his church. He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Markesan, and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Fairwater, where he was a member at the time of his passing. Past church callings include president of the Luther League, vice-president of Fellowship, usher and head usher, greeter, and teller. He was also on the dartball team of the Brotherhood and served as treasurer of the Brotherhood. In addition, Ray sang in the church choir for many years.

After his retirement from farming, Ray spent the next 20 years driving school bus for L.B. Leasing of Ripon and mowing lawns and plowing snow for Jahns Lawn and Landscaping, Ripon.

Ray and Lorene were avid sports enthusiasts. They traveled many miles following the teams of their children and grandchildren in various sports in high school and college. They continued to support the local high school and college teams even after their own children and grandchildren graduated. Ray was also a great fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers.

Ray is survived by his loving children: LorRae (Scott) Crubaugh, Oshkosh; Larry (Ruth) Jahns, Ripon; Dennis (Sue) Jahns, Ripon; Donna (Dave) Hein, Ripon; and Dick (Kristine) Jahns, Ripon.

Ray was also very proud of his grandchildren: Charlotte Crubaugh, Crystle (AJ) Salm, and Cory Crubaugh; Konna (Michael) Wegener, Michael (Rachel) Jahns, and Christy (Joe) Pitsch; Ryan (Renae) Jahns, Kyle Jahns, and Trisha (Landon) Ellis; Jim (Sara) Hein, Angie (Andy) Miller, and Amy (Ebenezer) Anton; Jordyn (fiancé Andrew DeMatteo) Jahns and Cade (Alyssa) Jahns; and his step-grandchildren Stevie-Marie (Jess) Ehrenberg and Brock Sagmeister.

Ray was blessed to see 15 great-grandchildren: Seraphina Salm; Halia and Isaac Wegener, Callen and Madden Jahns, Elowyn and Abram Ray Pitsch; Owen and Emmett Ellis; Jacob, Anastasia, and Rachel Hein, Isabelle Lorene and Audrey Miller; and Paisley Jahns. He is survived by his only sibling, sister Carol (Bruce) Carter, Necedah, and many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Funeral services for Ray will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Fairwater, with Deacon Pam Werth officiating, followed by full military honors on church grounds. Visitation with Ray’s family will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon is proudly serving the Jahns family. https://www.divinepassagefunerals.com

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