Jay Raffel

Jay Raffel

March 23, 1960 - April 07, 2024

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Obituary

Jay M. Raffel of Madison, WI died Sunday, April 7, 2024 due to heart complications. He was born to Marilyn T. Raffel (Statz) and John E. Raffel on March 23rd, 1960 in Madison, WI.

Jay was a U.S. Army Veteran and graduated from Madison East High School in 1981. He also attended the University of Arizona Forestry Program. Jay was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. He spent many years as a sous chef at many different establishments in Wisconsin. Jay also took pride in growing his hair out and donating it to Locks of Love every year.

Jay is survived by his seven siblings, Jill (Mike) Lehmann of Trego, WI; John (Theresa) Raffel of Raytown, MO; Joe Raffel of Madison, WI; Jim Raffel of Madison, WI; Jerry (Teresa) Raffel of Middleton, WI; Jeff (Gina Krueger) Raffel of Trego, WI; and Jason (Chris) Raffel of Cottage Grove, WI; nieces and nephews Nathan Lehmann, Zachary Lehmann, Adam Raffel, Tony Raffel, Patrick Raffel, Peter Raffel, Jake Raffel, Darby Raffel, Travis Raffel, Logan Raffel, Jerak Raffel, Jennah Raffel, Justin Raffel, Madelyn Raffel, and Joshua Raffel. Jay was preceded in death by his father, John E. Raffel, and his dog, Rosie, whom he loved dearly.

Jay lived a complicated life but had a good heart. Let us all remember that there is dignity in the struggle of being human.

At this time the family has decided not to hold a formal funeral service. We invite you to celebrate Jay’s life in your own ways and hold him with you in spirit.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

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Jay
TD
Toni Dudley
Other •
I have fond memories of Jay as a spirited, fun loving child. Rest in peace.
KK
Kristin Kaufman
Other •
Being Human is our struggle. Jay, peace in everlasting beauty. We see you and knew you were here. All love
WS
Wendy Sanders-Travis
Other •
Sorry for your loss
SJ
Sherri Johnson
Other •
Jay was my spirit father he loved n new my mother ,we spent a Thanksgiving together we all 3 will never forget! My mom n him are in heaven 😍 laughing at me! He always mad sure I was safe! Shared so many memories and personal struggles experiences 😪 💔 breaks my ❤️ he is gone to soon, loved life ,totally loved music 🎶 enjoyed his life to the fullest, doing what he loved! Thank you for your time your service interview ARMY 🙏 I'm so glad I got to listen to those stories and the pain it caused him conflicted in his ❤️ his service he held with honors 🎖 he has forever been a good person n good friend he never minced his feelings or his opinions. He was a prankster! Of jack of all trades n a master of many! Forever friendship and love spirit dad this is your spirit 💖 daughter Sherri Johnson live on for eternal life Amen
TK
Teri Raffel Kleist
Other •
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jay. He did lead an interesting life. His family struggled with his choices, but never forgot he was a brother/son. May he now have the peace he searched for during his earthly life.
G
Ginny
Other •
So many memories and great times!Such a huge heart and giving person!Jay lived life in a big way filled with music,laughter and being outdoors.Now you and Rosie are together again!Rest in peace 🕊️

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