Jerome "Jerry" P. Raha

Jerome (Jerry) P. Raha, 82, of Gays Mills, passed away at his home in Gays Mills, on January 26, 2024.

Jerry was born in Adams-Friendship, Wisconsin to Walter and Barbara (Wardle) Raha and grew up and lived in Gays Mills his entire life. He graduated from Gays Mills High School in 1959, and married Rose Mary Fortney on November 11, 1961.

Jerry worked for over 30 years at 3M Corporation in Prairie du Chein, WI in various roles and last held position as the Environment Health Safety Manager. In his retirement, he enjoyed playing euchre on Fridays at Rolling Ground and playing golf. Jerry was also an avid reader and especially liked to read and watch movies about WWII.

Jerry was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gays Mills where he served on the church counsel for several years and head mashed potato maker at the annual church dinner. In addition, in his retirement he gave back to his community by serving on various community and county non-profit boards.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Adolph and Anna (Lee) Fortney; infant sister, Patricia; and brothers-in-law: Roger Fortney, Robert Fortney, Butch Collins, and Gene McManamy.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rose Mary; daughter, Carmen (Mike O’Keefe) Raha; son, Craig (Deb) Raha; grandson, Carl (Becca) Oppert; great-grandsons, Finnley and Rowan Oppert; brother, Wally (Betty) Raha; sisters-in-law, Darlene Collins and Marilyn McManamy; and several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his family, friends, card playing buddies, and the ladies at the grocery store.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Ocooch Mountain EMS or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gays Mills.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Gays Mills. Father Tom Huff will officiate. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Jerry will be laid to rest at the Gays Mills Cemetery.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory in Gays Mills is serving Jerome's family.

325 Sunset Ridge Avenue

Gays Mills, WI 54631

(608) 735-2100