Raymond "Ray" Herman Hannula

July 16, 1932 – July 21, 2025

Ray was born at the family farm in Oma (Hurley), WI to Hannah and Herman Hannula. Upon graduating high school, he moved to Chicago to find work. A short while later he was drafted into the army and he served as an MP in Korea & Japan, after the Korean Armistice.

He began his professional career as a machinist at Caterpillar in Milwaukee. He attended night school at Marquette University earning his Mechanical Engineering degree while working full time and raising his growing family. He worked over 30 years at what he described as the best job in the world. He designed industrial controls at Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation. He was a brilliant man who earned multiple patents. He was a humble man and most of the family didn’t know about these until recently.

He met Carol Taylor, the love of his life, singing in the church choir. After a few months of dating, they married and rarely spent more than a few days apart in the next 63 years. He was quick to laugh and enjoyed time outside and with family.

Ray was a quiet man who enjoyed skiing, gardening, and golfing. He was incredibly creative and a master craftsman who could make anything he put his mind to – from stained glass, to carving, to furniture and cabinet making. When teaching the kids how to make things, his motto was “Perfect is good enough”.

He was a longtime member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church - singing in the choir and participating in the helping hands group. He was also a member of the Lebanon Lion’s Club.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Helen Lahti. He is survived by his wife Carol, his children: Todd (Kate), Paul (Dawn), Lynn (Mark) Mickelson, and John (Heidi); grandchildren: Jake (Paige), Zach (Abby), Nathanael, Matt (Melina), Jonathan, Faith, Jewel, Makeda, Titus, Sam, Hannah, Dan, Abigail, Eloise, Vivian; great-grandchildren: Nash, Eli, and Amara; and his brother Kenneth. His family was his greatest joy and he will be sorely missed.

The family would like to thank our Aurora Home Hospice nurse, Echo. We appreciate your kindness and care during the last few months!

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight or Samaritan's Purse in Ray's name are welcome.

Services will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (N60 W35980 Lake Dr, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) on Saturday August 16th. Visitation at 10am followed by a service at 11am.