Raymond Schildgen, age 99, of Cassville, WI passed away on Friday morning January 17, 2020 at the Orchard Manor in Lancaster. He was born on September 28, 1920 in Flora Fountain, WI also known as “Slabtown”, the son of John and Louise (Vogt) Schildgen.
Ray was united in marriage to Stella Schmit on September 23, 1941 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington, WI. They were married for 57 years until her passing in 1998. He worked as a farmhand until the Pride Seed Company was established. He then became the Production Manager there. In 1970, Ray went into farming full time with his son Roger, until his retirement in 1992.
He loved his family and giving them a hard time was a priority. He was a great storyteller and made people laugh. Among his many interests were following politics and studying history. He often said that the politicians should study history more. When he was in his 70’s Ray became interested in genealogy which he incorporated into his stories.
Ray is survived by his son, Robert and Brenda (Deen) Schildgen of Berkeley, CA, his daughter Janet and Jim Hochhausen of Cassville, WI, his daughter-in-law Darlene Schildgen of Glen Haven, WI and his very special friend of 20 years, Mary Huser. He is also survived by grandchildren Ben, Jamie, Lincoln, Anna, Matt, Jenny, Jeff and Jayson as well as 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife Stella, a son Roger, and a grandson Jacob, and 4 brothers Francis, Leo, Donald and Firmin Schildgen.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday January 24, 2020 at the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Cassville, WI with burial in the Gockel Cemetery in Glen Haven Township Grant Co., WI. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Friday morning. The Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore is assisting the family.