Died: 12 December 2013

Raymond E. Gerner, age 87, died on Thursday, 12 December 2013, in Fitchburg, at Agrace Hospice Care. 

He was born on 21 December 1925, in Newburg, WI, the son of William and Elfrieda (Fick) Gerner. Ray married Marlene (Zinke) Gerner on 23 May 1953, in West Bend. He is survived by his wife, Marlene; son, Scott (Patty) Gerner of Brookfield; daughter, Sheri Gerner of Stoughton and Shelly (Gerner) Marcella of Elkridge, Md.; grandchildren, Emily and Zach Gerner, Andy (Heidi) Jegerlehner, Monica Jegerlehner, and Jenna and Johnny Marcella; great-grandson, Ryan Jegerlehner; a brother, Merlin (Sylvia) Gerner and brother-in-law Bernard (Gloria) Zinke; sisters-in-law, Diana Meyer and Bonnie (Allen) Gierach; and other nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Matt Jegerlehner. 

Ray was a very outgoing, friendly person. Ray always befriended a stranger, and was always positive. He was a baseball umpire, and had a great passion for the sport. Ray retired in December of 1983 from Schlueter Company of Janesville. After Schlueter, he worked for Sani-Matic Systems, where he was president until 1993. 

A Celebration of Life was held at Lake Edge Lutheran, 4032 Monona Drive, Monona, on Monday, 16 December 2013 at Noon, the Rev. Steven Marsh presided. A private family burial will follow at a later date. Visitation was held at the church from 11:00 a.m. until time of service on Monday. Memorials may be made to Lake Edge Lutheran Church building fund or Agrace Hospice Care. The family would like to thank the nurses at St Mary’s Hospital and Agrace Hospice Care. 

Ray is a fifth generation descendant of Friedrich and Rosine Seidemann and is listed on page 333 with a picture on page 246 of the 4th edition of the Seidemann Family Tree Book. He is deeply missed by his family, friends, and relatives.