MADISON - Richard “Rick” A. Gray, age 66, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by his family. True to his character, he departed just as the Green Bay Packers game was beginning; he must have known it wasn’t going to be worth watching.

Rick was born on June 7, 1959, in the Town of Dunn, Wis., the son of Donald Owen and Mildred Maxine (Craig) Gray. He grew up on Waubesa Beach, a place that remained the heart of his world for most of his life. A 1977 graduate of Oregon High School, Rick spent his early career roofing before joining FormsPro, Inc. (Wisconsin Graphic Forms). For over 20 years, he expertly maintained and operated a business forms collator, eventually serving as the shop manager. In 2000, he realized his lifelong dream of being his own boss by founding Rick’s Home Renovating. He took immense pride in his craftsmanship and was well-known for providing his customers with an honest price for honest work. Though he retired a few years ago, his restless, hardworking spirit meant he never quite mastered the art of sitting still.

Rick met the love of his life, Michelle, at FormsPro and they started dating in 1986. For Michelle, it was love at first sight. After five years of dating and ten more years of building a life together, Rick finally popped the question. They were married on July 28, 2001. After a brief time in Madison, Rick jumped at the chance to buy a “fixer-upper” back at Waubesa Beach, turning it into a home with the help of dear friends and family.

A true outdoorsman, Rick was a passionate deer hunter with many trophy mounts to show for it-at least until Michelle instituted a rule that any new mount had to be bigger than the ones already on the wall. He loved walleye fishing on Lake Waubesa, especially alongside his father-in-law, Virg. Summer camping trips were a highlight of his year, including a final memorable trip this past summer to Grand Marais, Minn. Rick also shared a deep bond with the racing community; he and his brothers raced in their younger years, a legacy now carried on by nephews. Back in earlier days, Rick was a formidable bowler, having achieved the rare feat of two 300 series.

Rick will be remembered for his fun, free spirit and a laugh that could light up a room. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Michelle; his siblings, Donna Gray, Beth Tschan, Robert Gray (Mary Ellen Bentz), Jim (Roxanne) Gray, Russ (Norleen) Gray, Barb (Dave) Koenig and Don (Dawn) Gray; his father-in-law, Virgil Forcier; his in-laws, Cheryl (Brian Aizenstein) Forcier, Scott (Julie) Forcier and Chris (Shannon) Forcier; many beloved nieces and nephews; and his loyal lab, Raven.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Lynn, Steve and Bill Gray; his mother-in-law, Doreen Forcier; and his brother-in-law, Steve Forcier.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare, especially his nurse, Tonya, for their compassionate care during Rick’s final months.

A celebration of life will be held at OREGON VILLAGE HALL in the Community Room, 101 Alpine Parkway, Oregon, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026. As we gather to celebrate Rick’s life, we invite everyone to honor him by wearing Green Bay Packers apparel.

“I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with you. And then I realized you spent the rest of your life with me. I smiled because I know you loved me till the day you went away and will keep loving me till the day we’re together again.” -unknown author

Rick, I will love and miss you forever. - Michelle

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Agrace HospiceCare or your favorite charity in Rick’s name. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515

Richard Allen Gray

June 07, 1959 - January 04, 2026

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