David N. Gray

David Neal Gray, age 90, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, surrounded by family at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, WI.

Dave was born in Ripon, WI, on August 27, 1935, son of G. Robert and Ruth (Buchholz) Gray. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1957. Dave married Judy Boyer in Las Vegas on December 30, 1959 on their way to Pasadena, CA, to watch the Badgers play in the Rose Bowl. They enjoyed 65 beautiful years together full of travel, camping with family and friends, and numerous puzzles. Last month Dave celebrated his 90th birthday with Judy and all 35 members of their family at a baseball game.

Dave remained steadfast in his faith and devoted himself to his family. He enjoyed sharing his faith and served in his church for many years. When he wasn’t watching birds in his backyard or joining his buddies for coffee at McDonald’s, he would often invite a friend or relative inside for a game of dominoes or Five Crowns. He loved fishing and supporting Wisconsin sports, but most of all enjoyed following his grandchildren’s many endeavors.

Dave greatly loved Ripon, enthusiastically leading any newcomer to town on a full tour of the city. He was mayor of Ripon from 1986-88 and served the community in many other ways including Jaycees, Rotary, the Board of Education, City Council, the Ripon Medical Center Board and Foundation, Ripon Historical Society, and delivering Meals on Wheels. Dave served in the United States Army Reserve from 1958-64. He worked at Ripon Community Printers from 1976-1999 and retired as President.

In addition to Judy, Dave is survived by his four children, Scott (Sheryl), John (Kathy), Jennifer (Kevin) Griffith, and Sarah (Todd) Novitske; 13 grandchildren, Kristin (Dennison), Alison (Clint), Thomas (Raeann), Patrick, Theresa (Ben), Anna, David (Gabriela), William, Jack, Sam (Emma), Luke (Angelina), Nate, and Ellie; seven great grandchildren, Aiden, Maddie, Asher, Hudson, Eleanor, Clara, and Jack; in-laws Shirley Gray, James and Joanne Sanderson, David Boyer, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Dave was preceded in death by brother Bob Gray, Jr. and his wife, Gladys, brother Jack Gray, and sister-in-law Linda Boyer.

Visitation for Dave will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971, and again from 10:00 - 11:00 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Terrace Shores Evangelical Free Church, W3278 Co. Rd. K, Markesan, WI 53946, before the funeral service.

Funeral service for Dave will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Terrace Shores Evangelical Free Church, W3278 Co. Rd. K, Markesan, WI 53946, with Pastor Kyle Witek officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 11:00 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. Interment will follow at Nepeuskun Cemetery, Town of Nepeuskun.

Memorials in Dave’s name may be directed to Terrace Shores Evangelical Free Church, W3278 Co. Rd. K, Markesan, WI 53946, or the Ripon Historical Society, 508 Watson St. Ripon, WI 54971.