Raymond "Ray" Lavallee Jr.

Raymond "Ray" J. Lavallee Jr., age 79, passed away peacefully with his wife Karen by his side on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Ray was born on August 19, 1947, to Raymond Sr. and Mildred Lavallee. He graduated from DeForest High School in 1965, where he was a proud member of the football, wrestling and baseball teams. One of Ray's proudest accomplishments in life was serving his country in the US Marine Corps. The Marine Corps influenced his life in ways only another Marine could understand. Ray was also a proud member of the WI Vietnam Vets Chapter 5 and wanted to thank all of you for everything.

Ray shared 53 years of marriage with the love of his life, Karen (Steinbach) Lavallee. Together, they raised two children, Raymond IV and Tara. Ray worked in the trades as a Cement Mason and business agent for the Cement Masons and Plasterers Union. Along with family and friends, he built 3 homes for his family to grow and make memories in.

Ray is survived by his wife Karen; children, Raymond (Stacey Lingerfelt) Lavallee; Tara (Andi) Lavallee; daughter-in-law, Karol Wille; brother in-law, Don Steinbach; grandchildren, RJ, Skylar, Hayli, Easton, Annie, Eli, Taylor, Melanie, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mildred Lavallee; his in-laws, Archie and Amy Steinbach; brother, Ed Lavallee; son, Craig Wille; brothers and sisters in-laws Bob and Rita Cipra, Elaine Lavallee, Janice Beloungey and extended family.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Levin and his team at the SSM Health Oncology Department in Columbus, the nursing staff on 4th floor Prairie Ridge Health in Columbus, and special niece Connie Tenjum for all of their care and support to Ray and his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson St, DeForest, WI. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, WI and again at 10:00 am on Saturday prior to the mass at church. Burial with military honors will take place at St. Olaf Catholic Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at church. 


To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250