Raymond J. Brasda, age 73 of Arkansaw, died Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire surrounded by his friends.

Ray was born on January 26, 1945 in LaCrosse County. He was the son of Andrew and Gladys (Hanson) Brasda. Ray grew up in Coon Valley area and St. Michael’s Orphanage in LaCrosse. Ray took a job on the Weinzirl farm (Val-O-Mo) in Eau Galle in 1988. He became a part of the family, spending holidays and family occasions with them. He lived and worked on the farm for 10 years before retiring. Ray moved to Arkansaw, where he remained the rest of his life. Most recently Ray was honored to the Co-Grand Marshall of Arkansaw Creek Days.

Ray enjoyed volunteering, especially at the Durand Youth Fishing Contest where he did various jobs. He also volunteered at the Durand Senior Center. Ray collected cans from all over the area and donated all the pop tops to the Ronald McDonald House. He was member of the Eau Galle Sportsmen Club and St. Henry’s Catholic Parish.

Ray will be missed by his surviving siblings, his friends from his coffee group, friends in the Durand Arkansaw and Eau Galle communities, his church family but most especially by the Weinzirl family.

Memorial Mass will be 11:00 AM Monday, July 2, 2018 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Eau Galle with Rev. Jerry Hoeser officiating. A celebration of life will be held at St. Henry’s Catholic Parish Center immediately after Mass.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Crystal Dow July 25, 2018, at 10:21am

   It was a pleasure working with Ray at the Senior Center, and knowing him over the years..He had a great big heart! Crystal Dow

2. Lester Bauer July 2, 2018, at 9:20am

   It was always a pleasure to see Ray pull up to the garage. Sometimes to have some work done but most often just to BS. You will be greatly missed my good friend.

3. June 29, 2018, at 9:04pm

   Sorry to hear of Rays passing. He was a great human being who will be missed by the whole community. Rest in peace Ray.

4. Barbara L Werlein June 29, 2018, at 7:27pm

   So sorry to hear about Ray, he came into the store just to pick on me. At least that's what he said. I will miss him!

5. Patti Blount June 29, 2018, at 11:09am

   Sorry to hear about the passing of Ray. He was a nice man to see at the Youth Fishing Contest and Durand Senior Center. I will remember him for all the pop can tops he donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

6. Nancy Potter June 28, 2018, at 7:10pm

   Ray always had a smile to share and something fun to say or tease about. RIP Ray, you will be missed by so many people you touched.

7. Lynn Pittman June 28, 2018, at 1:24pm

   I am going to miss not seeing this treasure around town he was a wonderful, pleasant man. I am going to miss his teasing and BS.....

8. Annette Tiffany June 28, 2018, at 11:03am

   I got to know Ray when I was delivering meals for Pepin County. He was such a huge teaser! Rest in peace Ray, knowing you've touched a lot of peoples lives.

9. Kristin Wayne June 28, 2018, at 8:11am

   Sad that a good man like Ray has to go so soon. He always has a smile on his face. I remember him working at the youth fishing contest. Always willing to help.

10. Ken abramson June 28, 2018, at 5:47am

    What a nice person Ray was. Always a smile and something good to say. That's rare this day and age!

11. John and Judy Parr June 28, 2018, at 4:52am

    Sad to hear this great person

12. Valerene Cataract June 27, 2018, at 8:53pm

    I will miss Ray coming into the gas station and picking on me. He did a lot of good things.

13. Steve Schofield June 27, 2018, at 7:45pm

    Always liked talking with Ray.
    He will be missed by many.
    Rest in peace old friend.

14. Keri Dorschner June 27, 2018, at 5:46pm

    Such a special man. He always kept us waitresses searching for our tip that he hid somewhere every time he ate at the Durand House. Always a smile and a conversation. Thanks Ray for touching our hearts.

15. Kaci Kroeplin June 27, 2018, at 4:34pm

    Ray was one of the kindest people I had the pleasure of knowing. He has done so much goodwill. He will be missed by many.

16. Robin June 27, 2018, at 4:31pm

    Ray was a wonderful man. Always ready to help or chat awhile. Ray sure enjoyed having kids around...
    Ray, you will be missed by everyone in our town..

17. Mike Bonn June 27, 2018, at 4:11pm

    Ray was a great guy to talk to. Always interesting stories. Rest In Peace.

18. Anthony Place June 27, 2018, at 3:07pm

    Special prayers for your family, thanks for being a friend of mine.

19. Bill & Kris Sessions June 27, 2018, at 2:42pm

    Ray was an AMAZING man had a heart of GOLD and would do anything for anyone

20. Jennifer Peterson June 27, 2018, at 2:18pm

    Ray was a great man and a great member of our community, he will be missed by so many.

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