Obituary
Ramon “Ray” Hollnagel
Ramon “Ray” Hollnagel, 87, died Sept. 30, 2026, in Tomah, Wisconsin.
Ray was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Agnes and Robert Hollnagel. The family moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where Ray graduated from Central High School in 1957. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on a destroyer in the Atlantic Ocean.
He married Gayda Crum in 1960. The couple later made their home in Onalaska, where they raised their two sons, Ray Jr. and Jay.
Ray owned a heating and air conditioning business, retiring in 1999. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, golf, and spending time with his family. He also was an avid gardener.
Ray is survived by his wife, Gayda; two sons, Ray Jr. (Laura), and Jay (Pam); four grandchildren, Kyle, Jacob, Rebekkah and Ray III; four great-grandchildren, and several nephews and nieces. His parents, two brothers and an infant sister preceded him in death.
The family will receive friends from 10-11:00am Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. in Onalaska. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
The service will be livestreamed. Please use the link below to excess it via Zoom.
Ray was a kind and generous man.
I remember Ray took care of my Grandma Laura’s HVAC service. He never raised his fee in all the years she lived in that house.
Truly one of a kind.
Dear Gayda, Ray Jr. and Jay,
So sorry to learn of your husband’s and father’s passing. He was a kind, gentle and quiet person. What a great legacy! May Ray rest in peace and may memories of him warm your hearts.
I send my sympathy to Gayda and all of Ray’s family. I recall the many services Ray provided to Faith UMC (formerly Asbury).
What a wonderful video. It captured who Ray was, in all of the things that he enjoyed and loved through the years. We are all the better for having had him in our lives. He was a good guy who lived a good life. He will be missed.