Obituary
Raymond (Ray) Lawrence Mertes
If you ever found yourself next to Ray Mertes—whether in a boat, at the bait shop or just around town—you’d know it never took long before you were wrapped up in one of his stories. And the best part? He had a lot of them. The kind of stories you didn’t forget. The kind you’d find yourself retelling, laughing just as hard the tenth time as you did the first.
On February 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, Ray set down his rod and reel and paintbrush for the last time. But true to form, he left us with more than a few fish tales to remember him by.
Born October 15, 1948, in Winona, Minnesota, to Lawrence and Irene (Niemeyer) Mertes, Ray grew up with the bluffs and backwaters of the Mississippi River as his playground. After graduating from Winona High School in 1966, he spent a short time in the Navy before an honorable discharge. He then returned to Winona to attend Winona State College. It was there, in 1971, that he met the love of his life, Peg Zandrews. By June of the next year, they were married—embarking on a 52-year adventure full of love, laughter, and devotion.
Ray had a gift—the rare ability to talk to anyone. Whether you were a stranger in the bait shop or his oldest fishing buddy, he made you feel like part of his story. And if you knew Ray, you definitely have a favorite story (just ask around). He was a man who lived for the outdoors, a member of the Trempealeau Sportsman’s Club, several fishing clubs, and Winona Archers over the years. Hunting was a passion, but fishing? Fishing was his heartbeat. It didn’t matter if the water was open or frozen, Ray was on it. Some might call it an obsession. Ray would probably just call it a normal day.
Over the years, Ray turned his love of wildlife into art. He was an accomplished wildlife artist, earning accolades in the Wisconsin Trout Stamp, Wisconsin Turkey Stamp, and Wyoming Conservation Stamp competitions, and even a finalist as Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year. As a taxidermist, his specialty was fish—bringing them back to life with the same care and admiration he felt reeling them in.
When he wasn’t casting lines or painting wildlife, you’d find him cheering on his beloved Minnesota Wild and Vikings—though the relationship with those teams was, at times, complicated. If you know Ray, you know.
Ray was also a true miracle—a 20+ year heart transplant survivor who defied the odds. He made the most of the gift he was given, filling his extra years with the people and passions he loved most.
Ray’s proudest catch, however, was his family. His devoted wife, Peg, who was steadfastly by his side through thick and thin, was the heart of it all. He was endlessly proud of his son, Jared, for building a successful career in sales (as well as for his hunting adventures), and of his daughter, Rachelle, for her dedication to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. But his greatest joy came from being “Gramps.” Bradley, Braeden, and Ashlyn, were the light of his life. He was the type of Gramps who would literally drop anything he was doing for them—from shuttling them to activities, cheering from the sidelines, or just spending time together, Ray was always there with a smile on his face. And, of course, we can’t forget all of his dogs over the years, each one a loyal companion, most recently his “Murph.”
And oh, the fishing trips. The annual Memorial Day adventures to northern Minnesota, the summer escapes to Pelican Lake—these were sacred traditions with his son (and best friend) Jared. Of course, every trip came with new stories, and memories they’ll never forget.
Ray’s legacy lives on through his wife, Peg, of Trempealeau; his son, Jared (Kristin), of Savage, MN; his daughter, Rachelle, of Wabasha, MN; his grandchildren, Bradley Jacobs of Trempealeau, Braeden Jacobs of Galesville, and Ashlyn Praxel of Wabasha/Trempealeau; his brother, Jerry (Pat) Mertes of Winona; and his nieces Chris (John) Fitzgerald of Winona and Lynn Mertes of Altura, MN. He’s reunited now with his parents, Lawrence and Irene, and his niece, Cheryl Nash.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 22, 2025, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Centerville Curling Club, W24854 WI-54, Galesville, WI 54630. Bring your favorite Ray story—we know you have one.
Because if Ray taught us anything, it’s that the best way to keep someone alive is to keep telling their stories. And oh boy, do we have stories.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation to donatelife.net
Condolences may be made in lieu of flowers to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
My deepest condolences to you all!
Ray was an amazing man and meeting him and your family got my family through some tough times!
We couldn’t of been happier to have Ray being the recipient of Jami’s heart. He was SO deserving, and I’m glad that you had an extra 20+ years with him. I only wish it could’ve been more…
(((BIG HUGS))) to you all! You are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. ❤️
Peg, Jaren, Rachelle, Brad, Braedon, and Ashlyn, your Ray was a great part of the Brown family’s lives. He will be greatly missed. May his memory forever be a blessing to you all. May they comfort you as you grieve. Although I am Jim’s wife, Ray will always be his girlfriend. 🙂
Peg, Jared,Kristen and Rachelle and Grandchildren.
You have our deepest sympathy. Ray truly was one of a kind. He had such an amazing personality and touched so many lifes. I feel very blessed that we have been friends for 46 of those years. Many laughs, many memories many tears. His legacy will live on. His artwork and fish mounts will always hang on our walls.
Ray, you quickly became part of my River Cafe family, it was always so nice to see you walking thru the door. Your sense of humor was the best!
Even though you knew our menu better than me, I always had to listen twice, cuz it might be a half B&G, with a patty, or oh wait, 2 eggs and dry white toast. or no, let’s go with French toast. Your indecisiveness makes me smile now, and I’d give anything to serve you up some Decaf and breakfast and listen to you. Pat and Brownie giving each other the business.
RIP, you were one of the good guys.
Jill, thanks so much for sharing that ~ made me laugh, yet cry ~ I sure am my dad’s daughter, that’s for sure! I totally get it, ha ha
So sorry to hear!
I didn’t know Ray, but, I sure admired his works of art, especially when made into puzzles! RIP Ray. I’m a childhood friend of Joan your neighbor in Trempealeau.
Thank you Ray for the fishing and partnership we shared over the years God bless you and your entire family you will always be a part of my heart
My wife Natalie and I send our deepest condolences. Ray was one of the good ones. My dad sure enjoyed him.
We will be thinking about you all and keep you in our prayers
My deepest sympathy to Rachelle and all Ray’s family. My family and I are the proud owners of many of Ray’s paintings. Ray and Peg even delivered one to us in Wabasha. We had a wonderful visit with them. Prayers to the family. Ted and Val Carrels
“Stories” I’m missing you friend. Thank you for so many laughs and adventures.
Stories I will never take your name off my phone –
Now your making Jesus laugh
R.I.P
Peg and family, I am so sorry for your loss, he was a great guy with many talents. He will be sadly missed.
My sincere condolences to the Family. Rest in peace Ray.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ray was such a nice man. Prayers for your family
Sorry to hear about Ray. I will miss seeing and talking with him weekly. Ray and I have been friends since we were in the second grade at Jefferson . I will enjoy the memories we’ve had both hunting and fishing. He was always fun to be with and will be missed. Condolences to his family.
Mertes family, sincere condolences.. Ray will be missed but great memories will remain!! I recall several including a fishing tip or two that I cherish. Was happy to lend the old stratos to him for a tournament when he needed it! 🙏🐟 Thanks for the memories Ray!!
My thoughts and prayers to Rays family.I played hockey with Ray in the 50ths at
the west end rink ,Ray played goalie.Lots of memories from those days.Ray also
did a painting for me from a fishing trip in northern Mn.RIP my friend.
Sympathy to all of you – always enjoyed Ray and family. He was such a nice man to my boys and drove Eli and Brad to sporting events. Great artist…happy I was able to know him!
I don’t know if I ever met Ray, but I do know that my Dad held him accountable n high regards. So sorry for your loss.
We met Peg & and your Dad through Den the fisherman and Beth opening her house and heart to all of us for New Year’s Eve gatherings. Always were fun. Loved your art and purchased some of it. It’s difficult at this time but may he be resting in peace and your hearts softening and accepting his passing.
We will miss your Husband, Dad, Grandfather so much. Our weekly breakfast meetings, spring river fishing and much more.
We met Ray in his shop in the early 2,000’s. Bought several items from him. Little did we know after moving to Trempealeau that Ray would become a good friend and fishing partner. I spent many days fishing with him and enjoyed time at the bait shop telling stories. He’ll be missed.
Sorry for your loss. I knew Ray from Toads he would come in, in the morning to get coffee or snacks on his way out to the water. He reminded me so much like my grandfather always on the water fishing. He will surely be missed and I will miss his fish stories. Rest easy Ray!!! – Tracey Krackow
So sorry to hear about Ray. We bow hunted and duck hunted together when we were younger. I remember duck hunting with him and he took his dog with. What an experience!!! Ray brought a piece of rubber hose along to keep the dog at bay from attacking us and to get the duck out of his mouth. I have never forgotten that trip. I will miss talking to him. My condolences to his family.
Tom Bernatz
What a great guy! Spent many hours hunting and fishing with him and friends. I was lucky enough to see some of his artwork before it was finished and own some of his prints. May you rest in peace! “Fishin’ sucks” will no longer be the word of the day.
Remembering Ray on his many stories of hunting and fishing with his many friends. His coming to our farm and us sitting down and talking of hunting on our farm with Jared. The fish that he would drop off for our eating pleasure. The pictures he painted of wild life and nature are truly wonderful. Rest in Peace to a wonderful soul.
Ron/Mary Tuschner
To all of Ray’s family. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. As a kid, I have fond memories of Ray coming to our house to BS and have a beer with my dad, Ray and Peggy coming over to play cards with my folks (I was in charge of entertaining Jared), and hanging out at the Winona Archery Range with all of the parents and
kids as youngsters. May he Rest in
Peace. God Bless you Ray. Fly high with the Angels.
Ray and Rachelle helped me clean the garage and later Rachelle joked that his using a magnet to pick up my metal button making supplies was probably not good for his ❤️at the time!😳 I have 2 of his prints and they are favorites. The obituary and your love is a perfect tribute. Hugs❤️
A Great guy to work with and a Friend forever Ray mounted alot of Fish for me will very much miss him WE will meet again some day Ray
Peggy, Jared, Kristin, Rachelle and family, I’m sorry to hear of the loss of Ray. He swung by the house last spring when Dad died and I had a chance to catch up with him. It had been far too long, but it was remarkable how much he hadn’t changed. We looked at a painting of the Delta Queen he had done for Mom and Dad in probably about 1980, and of course talked family, hockey, hunting, and fishing. I was a little surprised when he said he didn’t have a boat. He smirked a little bit and said, “Well, owning a boat isn’t that great. It’s way better to know a guy who owns a boat. I know quite a few of those.”
He will be missed at the bait shop. He’d talk for hours about fishing Most times we’d have kids come in after he left begging us to tell them what lure Ray bought. They knew who to watch. Rip Ray. And condolences to the Family
Thinking of you Peg, Jared, Rachelle and Family in the loss of Ray. He and I had some memorable times in Junior High, boxing in our basement on Oak Street, playing cards with Mudcat and John Sterns and lots of other shenanigan’s!!
Seemed the only time we got to see each other lately was at Class Reunion gatherings or Funerals, sad to say.
Rest in Peace Raymond, you’ll be missed cousin.
Bruce and Diane (Mertes) Hoseck
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Ray passed sunshine along with every conversation we had. It would often involve a good belly laugh for me as he shared his recent fishing outing, painting project, or trip he was looking forward to or just returned from. If he wasn’t available by phone he would often be in the middle of lake – and I loved that he was able to live his dream of sharing those memories with friends and family. May you find comfort in those memories as you travel forward. He will keep casting away from heaven, and be missed dearly here.
I’m so sorry to hear about this. I’ve known Ray for a long time, but most recently enjoyed his visits at the bait shop. I really enjoyed his company and stories. Clearly a fan of his family and grandchildren.
Keep yer stick on the ice Ray!
My condolences, his story and his stories will live forever, RIP Ray.