PORTAGE – Raymond R. Falkner, age 69, passed away peacefully in the afternoon on Monday, January 20, 2025 surrounded by loved ones after a gradual decline in health. Ray was born September 8, 1955 to his parents Howard and Dorothy (Kuehl) Falkner.

After graduating from Tomah High School, Ray earned an Associate Degree in Agriculture at La Crosse Technical College. In 1976, he was united in marriage to Roxy (Welch), his wife of 48 years, and they moved to the LaGrange township where they bought the family farm and began raising their three children. After several years of growing his family and land, the family settled down in Portage, where Ray was fortunate to lend his knowledge and help farmers grow by working for the USDA as a Farm Loan Manager for the Farm Service Agency until he retired in 2019. Ray's dedication to helping others carried into his personal life where he dedicated 15+ years as a volunteer to the Portage Fire Department as a Lieutenant and Captain.

Ray was a devoted loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved the outdoors. Whether it be time in the garage, road trips with his wife, annual Canada fishing trips, studying and fellowshipping at bible study, or being out on the water, Ray always dropped whatever he was doing in order to provide and be there for his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Roxy; daughters, Heather (Zach) Thomas of Rio and Tiffany (Jared) Hilliard of Reedsburg; son, Ryan Falkner of Saint Paul, MN; grandchildren, Harper and Heston Hilliard; sister, Bonnie Kronenberger; brothers, Ronald (Arlean) Falkner, James (Marcie) Falkner, David (Kishu Azama) Falkner, Neil (Kenny Stone) Falkner; brothers-in-law, Rick (Deb) Welch and Dan (Karla) Welch; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Howard; mother, Dorothy; father-in-law, Howard Welch; and brother-in-law, James Kronenberger.

Ray was a born again Christian and a dedicated member of the Cornerstone Bible Church family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cornerstone Bible Church building fund at www.ephesians289.com.

Celebration of life will be held at Cornerstone Bible Church in Portage on Friday, January 31st. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. with the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited for lunch and fellowship after the service. Burial will follow at LaGrange Cemetery in Tomah, WI.

He will be deeply missed by his friends and family…