Obituary for Raymond C. Riniker

Ray was born October 31, 1944 in La Crosse to Ray and Charlotte Riniker. He graduated from Logan Senior High School in 1962. As a young boy, Ray enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad, causing mischief around the northside, and teasing his sisters alongside his brother.

After high school, Ray worked odds and end jobs and eventually opened La Crosse Shine Car Detailing. Later, Ray began working for Trane Company in La Crosse, until his retirement in 2006. Having a well kept yard was always important to Ray, so after his retirement he pursued his own lawn care business Ray’s Lawn Service and serviced homes around the community.

Ray’s personality was one of a kind. There wasn’t a place in town you could go that Ray wasn’t recognized. Ray, ‘Raymond’, ‘Butch’, ‘Uncle Butchie’, ‘Daddy Bear’, ‘Grandpa’, ‘Gdiddy’ was funny, a great storyteller, and always the life of the party. Despite the many obstacles stacked against him over the last 15 years, he remained positive with a kind, and forgiving spirit.

Ray was a very simple man. As long as he had his family, clean clothes, a few bucks in his pocket, and a Brandy 7, he was a happy man; add a belly full of “Marie’s” spaghetti and he couldn’t be happier. For many years, Ray looked forward to spending a few days with the boys at deer camp, and traveling with his Marie. But his most cherished pastime was hosting Packer parties for every Green Bay Packers game. For years, friends and family would gather at the Riniker’s home where they would eat, drink, and cheer on the Green and Gold. After a Packer win, friends and family would have to stick around for “one last victory drink”.

Ray was passionate about many things in his life but there was nothing more important to him than his family. Ray is survived by Dana “Marie” Riniker, the love of his life for 42 years, his three children: Steve (Kari) Riniker, Chasta Riniker, and Adrian (Ben) Kolpitcke. He is also survived by his greatest joys, his 6 grandchildren: Cody, Emma, Maija, Simon, Cora, and Camden (Beaner) and great granddaughter, Kinzley. Also, his brother, three sisters, two brothers in-law, a sister in-law and their significant others along with many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his favorite furry friends: his best buddy, Max, and grand-dogs, Maggie and Ozzy.

Ray was predeceased by his parents, Ray and Charlotte Riniker, mother and father-in-law, Iona and Leonard Taylor, and many other close family and friends that are sure to greet him with open arms.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2024 to celebrate and honor Ray and his great impact on our lives.

Online condolences or expressions of sympathy may be let on this site.