Raymond Jacoby

Raymond Michael Jacoby (1937 – 2025)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Raymond Michael Jacoby. He left us peacefully surrounded by family, Friday, August 22, 2025, at the age of 88. Ray and his wife, Judith (Schmidt) Jacoby, settled outside the town of Fredonia in Saukville, WI in 1971. Ray will always be remembered for the lives he has touched, his great sense of humor, his infectious smile, and the moments shared with family and friends.

Ray was born January 22nd, 1937, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, son of Michael J Jacoby and Hilda (Metz) Jacoby. He grew up in Random Lake, WI supporting the family auto repair and service station, graduating in 1955 from the Random Lake Hilltoppers where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Ray later attended the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater earning an athletic letter as a freshman on the football team. He later left Whitewater to enlist in basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago, Illinois. From there he worked on the crash crew at Chase Field Naval Air Station in Beeville, TX where he played on their baseball team and earned the rank of Naval Airman before being discharged form active service in November of 1957. He returned to Random Lake in support of the family business and later went on to work at American Motors. He later delivered oil for Fredonia-Belgium Oil Company, before reading meters for the Wisconsin Electric Power Company until retiring in 2002.

Ray and Judie met at the Saukville picnic in 1964, dated and married on April 22, 1967, at Immaculate Conception Church in Saukville. There they would live on Main Street before building their family home on Hwy I outside of Fredonia where they raised their three boys, Michael R. Jacoby, Matthew R. Jacoby, and Mitchel R. Jacoby.

Ray and Judie were members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic church where he sang in the choir. Ray was also active in the community supporting his family coaching for the Fredonia Little League, helping the Cub Scout program, and volunteering with Northern Ozaukee Ambulance as an EMT receiving honors for delivering a baby.

Raymond dedicated much of his life to family and friends, finding immense joy in attending their sporting events and celebrating their achievements, especially his son Mitch’s accomplishment of playing tight end in the NFL. He was extremely proud of all his boys and their own families. Ray cherished the family tradition of annual ski trips, going to Harrington Beach after ball games, playing tennis in Waubedonia Park, and riding motorcycle on his Harley Davidson. He was never short of taking time to keep in touch with old friends or making new friends. Ray had a love for telling stories and his sense of humor was endearing with a smile that would light up the room.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife, Judie, living in Pewaukee, WI and his greatest supporter and lifelong companion. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments. He is further survived by their sons; Michael of Denver, CO, Matthew (Marissa) of Sussex, WI, and Mitchel (Tara) Jacoby of Shorewood, IL and grandchildren, Cassidy, Mikaela, Makenna, Logan, Carson, Jack, Madeline, and Simon. He is further survived by brothers Robert (Marilyn) Jacoby and Henry Jacoby and many, many other friends. Ray was preceded in death by his loving parents, Michael & Hilda (Metz) Jacoby, his brother Tom (Roselyn) Jacoby, and his sisters-in-law Roselyn (Tom) Jacoby, and Carole (Henry) Jacoby. 

In honor of Raymond's life, a celebration of his life and legacy will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Divine Savior Catholic Parish (Holy Cross Chapel – 5330 County Road B, Belgium, WI 53004) from 4:00pm to 6:00pm (CST), where family and friends will gather to share stories and reminisce about the indelible mark he left on our hearts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, at the church, at 6:00 PM followed by military honors. We invite all who knew him to join us in remembering a man who was a dedicated family man, a true sportsman and a steadfast friend. Memorials of your choice are appreciated. 

Raymond's life will be honored with cremation, a testament to his enduring spirit. As we say goodbye, we find solace in the love he leaves behind and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.