Raymond P. Everson, went to help build our home in heaven on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020. Ray is survived by his loving wife, Li, son Matt (Liz) of Appleton, daughter Bekah (Lyndon) Drescher of Crandon, grandchildren Tyler and Kyle Drescher, and Zoe and Eva Everson. He is also survived by brothers Clarence, Ed (Judy), Ken (Kathy), Marv (Wendy), sisters Arlene Shepherd, Mabel Fawley, Joyce Blomberg, Rosetta Nickolie, Bonnie (Chris) Cira, Cyndy (Clyde), along with many more family and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bruce, Edwin, Frank, and Art (June), who were also his in-laws.
Ray was born in Rhinelander on Dec. 8, 1950 to Edward O. and Ethel (Fitzpatrick) Everson. He graduated from high school in 1969, and joined the Army, serving from 1970 until 1976. Ray married Li Everson on Oct. 14, 1978. He was her rock and protector, holding the family together, even when they lost everything in a house fire.
Ray was a favorite school bus driver to many through the early years of their marriage. He was very involved with his kids during their school years, as their bus driver, coaching their youth soccer team, reading to them, working on firewood, raising a garden, chickens and pigs, and just spending time together. Ray later worked at Treehaven for 25 years, and Bekah worked alongside him for six years.
One of Ray’s greatest joys was spending time with his grandkids: playing games, fishing, working outside, doing science experiments with Kyle, and working on Tyler’s tractor. Fishing with his granddaughters, Zoe and Eva, at their cottage was a highlight for him, as well playing “Farkle” with them. He loved the sound of his grandchildren laughing! Although a man of few words, Ray enjoyed being around the conversation. He would sometimes interject a one-liner comment at an appropriate moment and we would all be sent into laughter. He had a great sense of humor, and was a wonderful storyteller. His eyes would light up when he shared in this way. He spoke with his heart and his hands. Ray loved to be outside, building, fishing, or just working in the woods. He built three homes for his family, and helped many friends with repairs and renovations. He was able to fix almost anything. Ray loved to help people, preferably without being the center of attention. As his last heroic act, he became an organ donor.
Ray was so proud of his children as they grew up to be the loving parents of his grandchildren. He was faithful throughout all his years here on earth to entrust his family into the care of Jesus. He found joy in knowing his kids had followed his example of trusting Jesus Christ and are now passing their faith along to their children. Even though he has gone on ahead, he knows we will see him when it comes time for us to join him. We miss him so much, but Ray is having a blast in Heaven with Jesus, and family and friends who had gone on ahead of him.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 at Praise Chapel Community Church, 200 East Sixth Street, Crandon. Family and friends are invited. The service will be at 1 p.m. with a light COVID-19-friendly reception of prepackaged snacks following. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to WILD, PO Box 662, Rhinelander, Wis., 54501. www.wildleadership.org. You may leave your private condolences for the Everson family at www.carlsonfh.com.
The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the Everson family.