FITCHBURG - Raymond Ernest Venn, age 72, of Fitchburg, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026. He was born on November 18, 1953, in Antigo, the son of Raymond W. and Patricia (Lavers) Venn.

Raymond graduated from Niles North High School in Skokie, Ill., with the Class of 1970. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and later completed his master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was at UW-Madison that he met Linda Simmons, and together they decided to elope to Las Vegas in 1983.

Ray worked as a manager of QA and Processing Engineering for Uniroyal, retiring in 2017. He also served on the board of the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited. An avid outdoorsman, Ray found joy in fishing, camping, backpacking, bicycling, and kayaking. He was a wine enthusiast, a lifelong learner who audited online courses from Harvard and took jazz piano lessons, a passionate Bridge player, and a talented musician who once played sousaphone in the University of Illinois Marching Band. He treasured time spent at the family cabin on the lake and especially loved being a grandpa. He was always there for his family.

Ray is survived by his daughters, Katie (David) Matyas and Carolyn (Corey Van Ess) Venn; grandchildren, Harper Matyas and Ethan Van Ess; brother, Michael (Diane) Venn; niece, Christinia Venn; and nephews, Nicholas (Natasha) Venn and Ray (Jeanna) Venn. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; and parents, Patricia and Raymond.

In keeping with Ray's wishes, no services will be held.

Memorials may be made to Southern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

Raymond Venn

November 18, 1953 - February 16, 2026

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