Raymond F. Feldmeier

Raymond F. Feldmeier, 91, of Waukesha passed into Eternal Life on June 20, 2026, at AngelsGrace Hospice, surrounded by his family. Ray was born at home on October 17, 1934, in Hokah, Minnesota. He spent his childhood on the family farm with parents Anna (Schnedecker) and Philip Feldmeier, and siblings Margaret, Bernie, and Julius. He attended St. Peter’s School through graduation, and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served as an Electronics Instructor at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi from 1955 - 1959.

Ray married Rita Poehling of LaCrosse, Wisconsin on August 11, 1956. She was truly the love of his life, and the adventure was just beginning! The young couple settled in Biloxi, Mississippi and soon welcomed their first child, Linda. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Ray moved his family to Santa Clara, California (towing their 42’ red and white trailer home) so that he could attend San Jose State College and attain his BA in Technical Education. The family then moved to Menomonie, Wisconsin so Ray could attain his master’s degree in Industrial Education. While there, they lived in a WWII Quonset hut on the grounds of U.W. Stout and welcomed their second child, Mary Sue.

In 1964 Ray and Rita accepted a calling by the Jesuits to be Papal Volunteers and drove to Belize City, British Honduras to serve as teachers for 4 years. During those years Ray helped to design and construct a Technical Education building and program for St. John’s College in Belize, and the family increased by 3 more children: Gerry, Franz (adopted from Belize), and Marilyn.

In 1968, the family settled in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Ray taught Electronics at WCTC for 30 years, serving as President of the Wisconsin Vocational Association, making many good friends along the way. By 1974 his family had expanded with Chau, David (both adopted from Vietnam), Annie, and Mark. Ray was happy to coach his children’s basketball teams and also loved to keep active himself, frequently riding his bike 6 miles to work and playing basketball and softball into his 60’s.

Ray and Rita loved to travel and visited all 50 states and all 7 continents. Ray was an avid gardener with a beautifully landscaped yard, and a craftsman who could build or fix anything, freely giving of his time and skills. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for over 10 years and at St. Joseph’s Church in Waukesha for over 55 years. He was proud that all his children attended Catholic School (including Catholic Memorial) and college.

Ray is survived by his wife Rita, his 9 children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, his brother Julius, sister-in-law Mary Lou Compton, and 5 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 3:00PM until the 6:30PM Rosary Service and time for sharing at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha. Services continue at the funeral home on Friday, August 7th at 9:15AM followed by a procession to Corpus Christi Parish-St. Joseph Church, 822 N. East Ave., Waukesha for eulogies at 10:15AM followed by the funeral Mass at 10:30AM. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Corpus Christi Parish-St. Joseph Church or to Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County.