Carroll E. " Coke" Gray

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn./MADISON, Wis. - Carroll E. “Coke” Gray, age 93, of Minneapolis, formerly of Madison, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2026, at Walker Place. He was born on August 12, 1933, in Madison, the son of William and Zelda (Normington) Gray.

Coke attended Central High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he began a 36-year career as a Heavy Equipment Operator with the City of Madison Department of Public Works-Streets Division.

In 1956, Coke married Patricia “Pat” Klawitter. Together, they shared 68 years of marriage before Pat’s passing in 2025. They raised two sons, Kevin and Kasey, and Coke was a devoted father.

Coke especially enjoyed watching his sons play sports, Kevin in hockey and Kasey in baseball. He spent many years bowling in a league alongside family members and friends, creating memories that lasted well beyond the time spent on the lanes. In later years, he especially enjoyed fishing with his grandsons in Florida.

One of Coke’s most treasured experiences came in 2023, when, at the age of 89, he was able to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with his son, Kasey. He was overjoyed to have his military service recognized and was deeply touched when several family members gathered to welcome him home at the Madison airport.

Coke was lovingly cared for by the staff at Walker Place in Minnesota, since August 2025, and by Park Nicollet Hospice during the final month of his life. His family is deeply grateful for the kindness and care they provided.

Coke is survived by his sons, Kevin (Cheryl) and Kasey (Theresa); eight grandchildren, Colin (Lauren) Gray, Cameron (Erin) Gray, Brittney (Billy) Schaake, Killian Gray, Slate Gray, Mac Gray, Gabi Gray, and Pam Savira; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Bonnie Gray; brother-in-law, Thomas (Nancy) Klawitter; brother in-law, Richard (Rita) Klawitter; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife; his parents; and nine brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life for Coke and Pat will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on November 14, 2026, Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the service beginning at 11 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow at Gunderson.

Memorials may be made to Badger Honor Flight (badgerhonorflight.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

Madison, Wis

(608) 221-5420