Jerome R. Ravey

Jerome R. Ravey, 81, of Minocqua, joined his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 18, 2024, after fighting several illnesses. Born to Melvin E. and Adela M. (Behm) Ravey on November 21, 1942, in Waupaca, Jerry was a man of deep faith, creative talent and unwavering dedication to those he cherished.

After Jerry graduated from Waupaca High School, he bravely served our country as a United States Marine from 1960-1970, including service in Vietnam and Guam. He also served four additional years in the U.S Army Reserve. While in Guam, Jerry received a meritorious honor for his part in saving victims of a plane crash. This fall Jerry and his son, Tim, were looking forward to taking the Never Forgotten Honor Flight together.

After his time in the service, he worked at a variety of jobs but spent many years working in the janitorial business, including owning and operating Duraclean Master Cleaners. Jerry was a very talented carpenter and found happiness working in his shop building and creating.

Jerry found timeless love with Penny Pinkowsky-Thompson, whom he married on June 19, 1993, at Mt. Olive Church in Schofield. Their union was a testament to the resilience of love and the strength of their commitment to one another.

Jerry was the proud father of Timothy (Tracy) Ravey, Debra (Andee) Ravey, and Jodi (Kay) Ravey. He was also blessed with two stepsons, Eric (Kelly) Thompson and Adam (Lesha) Thompson. Together with Penny, they expanded their family through the loving adoption of Shawn, Lane, and Tilesha Ravey. Each of his children held a special place in his heart. Jerry’s legacy includes five grandchildren, Saisha, Stephanie, Aaron, Adeline, and Evelyn, and three great-grandchildren, Kira, Keaton, and Luka. He is also survived by his brother, Melvin Ravey, Jr., sisters Judy Strasser and Jane Bowker, and sisters-in-law Joy Sorenson and Wendy Treptow. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth Ravey, sister Beverly Cartwright, and sister-in-law Tena Pinkowsky.

A service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Minocqua on Tuesday, June 4, at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Maxine Gray officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of the service. Interment will be at Northwoods National Cemetery on July 3, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his honor to Calvary Lutheran Church or The Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Jerry will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit of faith, love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all he touched.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.