Raymond "Ray" O'Malley

Ray O’Malley, age 63, of Merrill, Wisconsin passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023, at his home under the care of Interim Hospice. He was born on March 15, 1960, in Waukesha to the late Donald and Joan (Neman) O’Malley. Ray graduated from Pewaukee High School with the class of 1979 and continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in Animal Science. Through the years Ray served his Country in the Army National Guard. Ray started his career with Rural Mutual Insurance as a Claims Rep working for them 33 years until his early retirement November 17, 2021 due to a rare lung disease that he battled with for over 8 years. In his earlier years Ray was an athletic young man, which included wrestling, football, a cross-country runner and continued in later years with many marathons receiving medals showing the accomplishments of a man dedicated to running the race. After moving to Merrill in 1994, which he then called home, he met and married his wife, Korrine (Koch) of 22 years. Ray was ready to take on a family to call his own, Korrine and the twin boys, adding two more children to the family.

As a young man he was known to work at a local farm, and help with the many chores with his sisters and brothers at the family business. He had a passion for animals and gardening being known for his strawberry jam that was shared amongst many. Ray was a man who loved the outdoors, hiking, camping and hunting as a lifetime passion. Missing the last few years out on the trails, hunting deer, but never missing time shared with the family and friends at the shack, even up to the last visit on the day of his passing. Family and friends stopped in to visit, which will be memorable to all. As the family gave him one of his favorite tours around the property and down to the Wisconsin River, he got to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and once again, after many years, enjoyed sitting down at the river taking in the company and scenery. Ray was known as a kind, gentle, spirited, hard working man with a great sense of humor with a heart to help anyone in need. Whatever he put his hands to, it got done. The life and times of Ray will be remembered by all, as a man who loved and cared for you. He loved his family, near and far and always seemed to be caught up on what everyone was up to. He will be missed dearly.

Ray is survived by his wife: Korrine O’Malley - Children: Alexander O’Malley, Zach (Grace) O’Malley, Katie O’Malley and Anna O’Malley - Grandchildren: Abbigail, Augustin, Auriela and Ambroise O’Malley - Siblings: Dennis O’Malley, Don (Corleen) O’Malley, Patti (Hilton) Newball, Lisa (Robert) Skinner, Dawn (Tim) Riordan, Tom (Kris)
O’Malley, Linda O’Malley - Mother in-law: Ardell Koch - Sister and Brother in-laws: Karen Koch, Kirsten Koch, Erik (Lori) Koch, Suzanne Koch to include Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews and a long time dear friend James Buell aka “Fish”. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, brother Jerry O’Malley, niece Rebecca O’Malley, father in-law John S. Koch and brother in-law David Koch.

Rev. Sue Smaaland will officiate a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.