Raymond H. Wieland

The world lost an amazing man on July 6, 2026. Raymond Harry Wieland, also known as, Ray, Dada, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and Our Hero, left this world in comfort, and surrounded by his three loving daughters. He left this world serenaded by one of his most favorite singers, Buck Owens. Through amazing dedication and a lot of coordination, Susan Danner-Rivers, Care Coordinator at Sauk Prairie Healthcare, our Papa was able to comfortably pass at Maplewood Nursing Home, his home for the past 22 years.

Papa was born on April 22, 1940 to Harry and Regina Wieland in Lancaster, Wisconsin. His education also took place in Lancaster, WI. At the age of 11, suddenly and unexpectedly, he lost his Mother. He proudly served the United States Army from 1958 – 1961, stationed in South Korea. On October 19, 1963, he married the love of his life, Jean Ann Ransom. They were married 59 years, until her unexpected passing on June 17, 2023. The year 1969, their son, Christopher was born, followed daughter Heidi in 1971, daughter Kathleen in 1972 and daughter, Melissa in 1979. He gained a new title, of Grandpa, in November of 1994, a title he held dear in his heart. Papa worked at Oscar Meyer, eventually to become Kraft Foods, and retired from there after 30 years of employment. In April 2000, we gave him a grand birthday celebration for his 60th birthday. December 30, 2002, at the age of 62, he suffered a rupture of one of three brain aneurysms, and life as he and we knew, forever changed. The night of December 31, 2002, he had a major brain surgery, and miraculously, survived this. Once he was released from the hospital, he enjoyed living life at his beloved farmette outside of Denzer, WI, for a year or so, through the love and care of dedicated daughters, Heidi and Kathleen. June 2003, Papa moved to Maplewood Nursing home, in Sauk City, WI, to become the resident that lived there the longest time, 22 years. May 2020, Papa gained another, prestigious title of Great Grandpa. This was a title that he absolutely loved and adored.

In his prime he loved antique cars. He was known in the Denzer area to be the go-to mechanic for vehicles and lawn mowers. At separate times he owned two specific vehicles that he was highly fond of, a brand new blue 1968 Ford Mustang and a 1964 Chevy Impala Super Sport. He had some mechanic training in the Army, but mostly, he was a self-made mechanic. Game time with him, was the best. Euchre, Sheepshead, Cribbage, Phase 10, Yahtzee and Sequence were favorite games of his. For several years, he would get 2 calves, to then sell one and butcher the other. There was always beef in the freezer. If he wasn’t in his workshop room in the basement, Papa could always be found in his beloved shed, that was filled with tools and auto parts. Country music was his favorite type of music and was always playing when he was in his shed working. When doing auto repair, and he needed someone to pump the brakes for him, he would open the kitchen door and say, “I need someone with a strong back and a weak mind.” He was a charming man, had an amazing sense of humor, was a loyal family man, and a friend to all he met.

Papa was a huge lover of cats, HUGE. His most beloved cat, was a black cat with a white belly. Her name was Miranda but she was always called Toby. There was never a time when there was not at least two cats around. He also loved his dogs and loved the protection they gave. From the time he was a little boy, Papa loved animals of every kind.

Papa lived a long life, but it was not a good long life. Papa did amazingly and exceptionally well, living the difficult life he was handed. He was a man of great strength and admired by many for this. Through the years, several extended family members referred to him as a Saint, and there is much truth to that. Our Hero left this world on his terms, and the setting was perfect. Us girls believe his last eight hours of life went exactly how he wanted them too. He is at peace and our hearts are overjoyed and happy for him.

Papa is survived by daughter Heidi, daughter Kathi (Kelly), daughter Melissa (John); grandchildren Kaitlyn (Chris), Jacob, Grace (Jacob), Sarah, Dylan, Daniel, Christina; great grandchildren Mathew, Karissa, Soren; brothers in-law Lavern (Margie), Doug (Jean).

Papa was proceeded in death by his wife Jean, his son Christopher, his son-in-law Bryan, his sister Darlene, his baby brother. He was also proceeded in death by many brothers-in-law, sisters in-law, two nephews, and many, many friends.

Caring for Papa all these years was an honor and privilege. Our hope is that he left with much pride and a heart filled with the love that we have for him.

Thank you to Sauk Prairie Healthcare for the care provided during Papa’s final eleven days of life.

A huge heartfelt thank you to Maplewood Nursing Home for all the care provided during the many years he was at his comfortable place, called home. Maplewood created a profound sense of family for him and made it a place he yearned to return to during medical issues. We are forever indebted to past and current employees, and our hearts go out to you, on the loss of a man, that you treated as family and clearly loved.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Hooverson Funeral Home, Sauk City, WI. A visitation will be held from 1pm until the time of service. Burial will be in the Zion Cemetery.