Raymond D. Gruel, 75, of Frederic, WI passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 at his home.

He was born February 16, 1946 in Milwaukee to Elmer and Blanche Gruel.

He started his life on the family farm in southern Wisconsin before moving to Cable where his family owned the Bobin Resort on Lake Namekagon. He always joked he was the smartest kid in his class. (He was the only kid in his class.) His family then moved to a farm in rural Frederic where he graduated from Frederic High School in 1964.

Ray served in the U.S. Army before returning to Frederic. He had various jobs before starting his own business, Gruel Construction, which he operated for more than 40 years.

Many of his winter months were spent in Phoenix, Arizona where he worked, but also enjoyed golfing and the horse and dog tracks.

He was joined in marriage to Lynn Asper December 5, 1989 with whom a son, Cody, was born.

Ray later married Georgette Moe on February 24, 2004. Together they enjoyed watching Cody grow up, traveling, and just hanging out together.

Ray had a quirky sense of humor. Golf was his passion. He loved playing the game and watching the tournaments on TV. He was Club Champion at the Frederic Golf Course. He also enjoyed baseball and fishing. He sponsored Gruel’s Gorillas softball team.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Gene and Roy Gruel.

He is survived by his wife, Georgette Gruel; son, Cody (Jessie) Gruel; grandchildren, Carsen and Ayana Gruel and Jacob Fornengo.

He is also survived by Lynn Gruel; Dani (Ryan) Decorah and family; Krissy (Brent) Dugger and family; special friend, Richard Bourque; several nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at Sundown Saloon in Lewis, WI on Saturday, January 15th from 1 to 4:00 p.m.

Interment will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, 715-327-4475, and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown.

Last Update: Dec 13, 2021 7:39 pm CST