Obituary
Raymond Charles Purnell Jr.
Raymond C. Purnell Jr. 71, Holmen, WI died Tuesday Nov 7th, 2017. As a “Boy Scout for life” he knew to always be prepared; his first scout leader, his dad, would be proud to know Ray was prepared for his final trip home. As a Special Olympic coach he knew to “go with the flow”, his athletes will be happy to know he did just that all through his final battle.
Ray’s bother, Gary (Kay) Purnell and sister Lois (Warren) Brandt, son Ryan (Jenny) Purnell, with step children Travis Sobeck and Dani Jo Huhn will be comforted in knowing he was at peace with his wife, Lora Purnell, by his side on his final journey. Ray’s dad, Raymond Purnell Sr. and his mom Elvira Purnell greeted him with open arms upon his arrival.
A celebration of his life will be held at Camp Decorah, W7520 Council Bay Rd., Holmen, WI 54636 at 1 PM on Thur., Nov. 16 with visitation being held Weds., Nov. 15 from 4 to 7 PM at Journey Lutheran Church, 2703 Sand Lake Rd, Onalaska, WI 54650. Pastor Mamy will be officiating. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
A great friend that was loved by many and will be missed by all. You were not only a great friend but a great mentor for my kids; Emily,Ashley and Sean when there dad wasn’t there for them and for that I will be eternally grateful.
Maria we have always been there for each other and our kids, that is what friends do, we are very lucky to have you as a friend
Sorry for the loss of an active and loving man. Ray is missed.
Thank you for your kind thoughts
Rest in peace Uncle Ray
Please know he is very active in Heaven, I am sure causing some mischief.
Ray was first our mailman and then our family friend and a leader in Troop # 1 Winona. He was a kind and generous man, beloved by our sons and the other scouts in the troop, with a good sense of humor and a love of country and of Scouting. We send our condolences to his family; we are thankful to have known him.
Ray was a mentor to the newbies when they came into the Post Office. He was helpful in my learning how things worked and how to get the mail delivered. Always appreciated his looking out for me. As I grew older with the P.O. I developed a greater understanding of what Ray must have gone through. Too bad it took me so long to have that awakening! Rest in peace, Ray and thank you for taking me under your wing 33 years ago. My condolences to Ray’s family.
As you know personally Ray loved to help others, he did this so naturally that he was not even aware he was doing it. Thank you for this wonderful memory.
Ray was my mailman in Winona before he retired, a stand up guy. Many “mail route” chats with Ray over the years. Remember his laugh well. Rest In Peace Ray. Peace and Comfort to all in the days ahead.
I’m so sorry for your loss of Ray, Lori, Dani, Travis, Gary, Lois, Ryan and Families. Ray and I had many interesting conversations over the years when I worked at the bank in Edgerton. He was a great guy and dedicated family man. My condolences to you all.
Deb we remember you with a grateful heart, you were always so kind, understanding and patient with helping us. Thank you
So very sorry to learn of Ray’s passing. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Ray was a great Special Olympics volunteer and coach. He gave 100% of himself to the athletes. My special athlete son Christopher adored him, I will always remember those S.O. hay rides from his house, as well as many basketball and bocce tournaments. It also meant a lot to me that Ray officiated the Eagle Scout ceremony for my other son Mike. I will miss Ray tremendously, as will so many Special Olympians from Janesville. Lora, my heart goes out to you. Rest in peace Coach Ray.
Chris is one of those special people along with your family that touched Ray and all of us. You were a great teacher for Ray in how to be a S.O. coach.
Thank you for your friendship
Condolences from myself, my family, and the whole crew at Southern Wisconsin News. You made a difference in a lot of lives. We’ll miss you Ray
Ray enjoyed getting to know you and your family better after working at the News Agency.. Thank you for giving him that opportunity.
Hey to the Purnell family I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for your loss of Ray he was a great special Olympics leader and was very kind and nice to everyone he will be missed very much thank you heather Fairfield
Ray loved being a S.O. coach and all his athletes, they became family to us.
Lora, so sorry to hear about Ray. My prayers go out to you and your family.