Raymond Lais

Raymond Daniel Lais born on 4/30/1961 and raised in St. Paul, MN, he resided in Somerset and Baldwin, WI. Raymond passed away on 5/4/2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Duane Lais; brother, Ronald Lais; sister-in-law, Sandy Lais; and special friend, Rose Seeger. Survived by sisters, Kathy (Casey) Drabik, Bernadette (Mike) Zasada, Lynette (Bob) DuFresne; brother, Pat Lais; sister-in-law, Natalie Lais; 13 nieces and nephews; many cousins and friends.

Ray was the youngest of six children. (aka Ray Ray) He attended Presentation of the BVM grade school and then Hill-Murray High School. He worked at Oak Park Heights Prison as a guard for the Department of Corrections before he became disabled. Ray received a letter of commendation while at the prison on 2/4/1991 for his courage and commitment demonstrated as a member of the MCF-OPH Security Squad. Ray provided emergency response to a stabbing and disturbance in the Education Unit while 25 inmates were in an agitated state and the entire 52-man unit was unlocked, to restrain those involved with the disturbance.

Ray loved to fish and hunt. He was also the life of the party. He loved all the nieces and nephews. They were the kids he was not able to have. He would tell the kids stories about “the time when he was in…[you name it].” He would make it up. He enjoyed all the Facetime messages and pictures that everyone posted. That was one way he could stay connected with them and his friends.

He enjoyed fishing with his brothers, Ron and Pat, especially at Ron and Natalie’s home on Long Lake with the Haselman’s and, of course, the nephews. The nephews all say to us parents ‘I can’t believe you let me go fishing with Uncle Ray.’ We will all miss your infectious laugh. You are missed and loved Ray! Rest in peace.

We will hold a celebration of life when the world is safer and we are able to be together. Private interment at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery in Somerset, WI on Monday, 5/11/2020.