Ray E. Johnson, 65, of Casa Grande, AZ, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday August 12, 2014. He was born on May 18, 1949 in Waupaca, WI to Vernon S. and Lucille J. (Taggart) Johnson. He married Marcia (Christensen) Johnson on September 11, 1971 in Amherst, WI and celebrated 42 wonderful years together.

Ray served his country in the Navy during Vietnam from 1967 to 1971. He worked for the Outagamie Sheriff's Department for 27 years, retiring in 2001. During that time he was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association. After retiring they moved to Casa Grande, AZ.

Ray loved spending his time with family, friends, traveling and making others smile and laugh. He had a heart that would not stop caring or giving to others. He also enjoyed watching the Oakland Raiders, NASCAR and John Wayne Movies.

Ray is survived by his wife, Marcia Johnson, Casa Grande, AZ; two daughters: Melissa (Brian) Ausland, Anoka, MN; and Laurie (Sam) Higginson, Florence, AZ; five grandchildren: Brady, Connor and Hailey Ausland, Miranda and Austin Higginson; his brother Stan Johnson, Waupaca; and sister June Johnson, Waupaca; mother-in-law, Nedra Christensen; sisters-in-Law: Joanne Christopherson, Hazel Packer and Cathy (Chris) Noth; brothers-in-law: Ken (Sharon) Christensen and Richard (Darlene) Christensen. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his father-in-law, William Christensen; brothers-in-law, Scott Packer and Gary Christopherson; nephew, Joe Carlson; and maternal/paternal grandparents.

Visitation will be held Saturday August 23, 2014 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. Military rites conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will immediately follow. Committal Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in Ray's name to be donated to Compassus Hospice and St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Casa Grande, AZ.

A special thank you to the visiting angels of St Anthony, and Compassus hospice care. Especially Sharri, Rebecca and Crystal. They were a true blessing to the family during Ray's final journey home.