Raymond Trudell

Raymond Trudell, age 90 of Appleton, WI, passed away on June 20, 2026. Ray lived a long life filled with memories made with his “Ma,” Patsy Trudell, and his family. He spent the remaining time after his wife’s passing with family going for weekly taco and fish fry runs in addition to nightly social hours watching Andy Griffith, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune - all of his favorite things. 

Ray was born on November 17, 1935, to Theodore and Helen Trudell, who preceded him in death. He married Patsy (Knutson) Trudell on February 16, 1957, who also preceded him in death. They spent almost 70 years together living in Appleton on the same street and mostly in the same house. The small brick house will forever be home to the two of them and a place many of their remaining family will always treasure. 

Ray and Pat had 4 children, Kevin, Tom, Pam, and Julie, all of which preceded them in death. Their children were their world, and those that are left behind are happy that they will all be together again. 

Ray drove dump truck for Calnin and Goss until he retired. He also enjoyed stock car racing at Shawano Speedway, Apple Creek, Seymour, and WIR. Ray and Pat also enjoyed camping, traveling to Florida, and meeting new people. The family have vivid memories of waking up on weekends to the sound of polka and being met with both of their smiling faces. In retirement, Ray enjoyed making his rounds to small neighborhood bars and doing his weekly sign ins. He met so many friends and will be missed by all of them. They were all very important to him. 

Ray is survived by two sisters, Mary Ann (Melvin) Treankler and Sharon Olson. He is also survived by son in law, Edward Kirk, daughter in law, Carol Reitz, and grandchildren including Stacey (Ryan) Foley, Thomas (Melissa) Trudell, Ben (Lily) Trudell, Joseph (Amber) Kirk, Sarah (Mark) Romnek, Jesse Williams, Angie (Ben) Ruehle, Donny Reitz, Christine and Jamie Johnson. He is also survived by many great grandchildren, whom they both cherished including Ryley and Bradyn Foley, Riley Menore and Levi Niemuth, Chase Trudell, Chloe, Lucas, and Micah Kirk, Tucker and Piper Romnek, Alex Olson, McKayla Skalmusky, Austin and Hunter Reitz, and Zack and Haley Ruehle. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Patsy, his children, Kevin Trudell, Thomas Trudell, Pam Johnson, and Julie Kirk, his brothers, Alfred (Barb) Trudell, Ronald Trudell, and David Trudell, his brother in law, Ollie Olson, and his son in law, Tim Johnson.

There will be a time to celebrate Ray on Tuesday June 30, 2026, at Valley Funeral Home - 2211 N Richmond St. Appleton WI 54911. The visitation will be from 3pm to 5pm with a small service happening at 5pm. He will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery at a later date. 

Ray’s charismatic charm and quick witted personality will be missed by all that knew him. A special thank you to Bristol Hospice services including Dr. Schinschke, Nurse Daniella, Nurse Lydia, and Chaplain Gina for your amazing support and guidance through this process. Simply the best!

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