Raymond Ristau of Redgranite, WI went to his Heavenly home on August 11th, 2026. He was born on July 24th, 1958 to Darlene (Schonasky) and Armond Ristau in Portage, WI. He met the love of his life, Janet, over a foosball table and was devoted to her for 43 years of marriage.
Ray was an avid bow-hunter, golfer, and pickleball player who was always happiest spending time outdoors. Family and friends knew they could count on him not only to fix something, but to make it better than before. If he wasn’t working on Janet’s honey-do list, he was always up for a game of cards, Pictionary, cribbage, or a puzzle. In his retirement, he embraced the open road, making wonderful memories traveling to Texas, Alaska, Montana, and Alabama.
Above all, Ray cherished time spent with family- whether riding bikes, hiking, hunting, or simply playing outside with his kids and grandkids who called him Papa.
Ray is survived by his wife: Janet; his children: Jeremy (Stacy), Aaron (Rachel), and Brian (Kimberly); his grandchildren: Liam, Connor, Wesley, and Aubrielle; his honorary daughter: Kayla (Jim); his brothers: Wayne, John (Linda), Carl, Robert; his sisters; Nancy (Kevin), Amy, and Jean, and several nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents: Darlene and Armond; his brother: Donald (Sylvia); sisters-in-law: Colleen and Rita; father-in-law: Arden; mother-in-law: Evelyn; brothers-in-law: Fr. Michael, Peter, and Larry.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Redgranite with Rev. Fr. Jaya Prakash Nemali officiating. Visitation was held at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Ray’s final resting place is St. Mark’s Catholic Cemetery, in Redgranite, WI. Leikness Funeral Home, Wautoma assisted the family with arrangements. www.leiknessfuneralhome.com
