Ray Henry Nellis

Raymond H. Nellis, age 82, passed away due to complications from medical issues on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, AZ. Ray was born on August 8, 1942, in Madison, WI to the late Nicholas and Verna (Newman) Nellis.

Ray was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, co-worker and friend. Ray married the love of his life Karen (Doersch) Nellis on March 14, 1964, and celebrated 60 years with family and friends this past summer. Ray loved spending time with family and friends whenever he could, playing cards, board games, laughing and watching the Green Bay Packers.

Ray worked for many years at the Bank in Weyauwega, dedicated to helping as many people as possible. Ray and Karen "retired" into an RV and spent 15 years traveling, spending time sightseeing in many states, including Alaska. Ray and Karen learned so much helping others through the Habitat For Humanity program. As they settled in Apache Junction, Ray and Karen became involved in many volunteer programs and were always talking with the people around them to get to know them better.

Ray is survived by his wife, Karen; children: Mike (Sonja) Nellis, Barb (Troy) Umland, Kris (Ron) Drath, Pam Banat (special friend Brian), Kathy (Kyle) Behm. Brothers and sisters: Gary (Betty) Nellis, Karen "Sue" (James) Martin, Terry (Barb) Nellis; Brother and sisters in law Carl (Sue) Doersch, Jeanne Doersch, and Joan Downs; Grandchildren: Nick (Emily) Nellis, Ali (Joel) Johnson, Zach (Abby) Nellis, Julio Umland, Faith Umland, Grace Umland, Hope Umland, Danielle Drath (special friend Nathan), Olivia Fox (special friend Dylan), Elise Kaesermann (special friend Hayden), Jackson Kaesermann, Jacob (Brittanie) Behm, and Jordan Behm (special friend Gabby). Great-grandchildren: Mya, Nathan, James, Aspen, Ava, Calvin, Gwen, Sam; many nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Verna (Newman) Nellis, his parents in law, Robert and Viola (Reetz) Doersch, sister and brother-in-law Marlene and James Tews, sisters in law Diane Doersch and Colleen Sutherland, son in law George Banat Jr., Granddaughter Audrey Beth Hintzke.

Ray's Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 11:00 am at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Weyauwega with Fr. Kris Mekala officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church on Friday from 9:30 am until the time of the service. In place of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Banner Baywood Medical Center, the specialists who have cared for Ray throughout the years and Dr. Khalil for his selfless care for Ray.