Raymond A. Hoerth

Raymond A. “Ray” Hoerth, age 74, of Chilton, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton after a short courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 15, 1947 in Fond du Lac, WI the son of Arthur and Georgene (Gerner) Hoerth.

Ray graduated from Chilton High School in 1965 and from UW-River Falls where he played football and earned his degree in Ag Science. Ray met the love of his life, Diane Mulvaney, while attending UW-River Falls. On July 22, 1972, he married Diane at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fairchild, WI; they were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this summer. Together they raised three wonderful sons who have made a difference in the world around them.

Before his marriage, Ray was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam where he serviced helicopter electrical systems. Upon his honorable discharge in 1972, Ray worked as a loan officer at Production Credit Association while he and Diane first resided in Strum, WI and later Eau Claire, WI. In 1975, they moved back to the Chilton area where he applied his degree in agriculture and continued his family legacy of farming. Upon retiring from farming, Ray continued to work for his neighbor at Pat’s Tire. He was then able to enjoy some traveling with his wife Diane and they had looked forward to discovering more new destinations.

Ray was an active member of St. Elizabeth Parish (Kloten) until its closing, whereupon he became a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. He was an enthusiastic volunteer who was always willing to lend a hand for the betterment of the parishes.

Ray loved the great outdoors. He was especially fond of the time spent hunting with his sons. Ray also enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Quinney Fishing Club. He was a man of many talents who appreciated the fine art of wood working, having crafted several treasured pieces of furniture in his home. Ray was also known for his baking expertise; his chocolate cake, cookies, and Christmas delicacies were enjoyed by family and friends. In his spare time, Ray was an avid football fan who greatly enjoyed watching the Packers, Badgers, and Notre Dame; he was even known for spending time re-watching old games analyzing plays.

Above all else, Ray loved his family and all of his friends. His friendly, joking demeanor and quick wit will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.  

Ray is survived by his loving wife Diane; his parents Art and Georgene; his children: Chad (Julie) of New London, Scott (Melissa) of DeForest, and Keith (Jennifer) of Buffalo, NY; granddaughters: Kayleigh Wheeler, Samantha, Iliana, and Nora Hoerth. Ray’s siblings are Janie (Dick) Dawson, Dave (Penny) Hoerth, Joan (Paul) Schmid, Judy Hoerth, Jean Kloehn and her special friend Carl Weber, Laurie (Dave “Moose”) Levknecht, and sister-in-law Linda Hoerth. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his brother Rich and his father and mother-in-law, Jim and Martha Mulvaney.

Ray’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 am on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton with Rev. Jon Thorson officiating. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 and on Thursday at the church from 10:00 am until 11:15 am. Donations will be accepted on Ray’s behalf to Good Shepard Parish to fund projects related to Ray and Diane’s volunteering.