Ray Kenneth Mahlke's Obituary
On January 19, 2022, Ray K. Mahlke (66), beloved husband, father, brother and Grandpa, passed away peacefully at his home after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Oshkosh, WI on June 10th, 1955 to Kenneth and Audrey Mahlke. Ray graduated from Oshkosh West High School in 1974. He married Mari Biesinger on May 12th, 1984. Together they raised five children.
Ray spent his early childhood years walking to school in three feet of snow, uphill both ways with hot potatoes in his gloves and boots to stay warm… or so he says. He got his first job at the age of seven, milking cows for his Uncle Gordon for the hefty payment of one ice cream cone per summer. One of his fondest childhood memories was sitting outside in the car with his dad listening to St. Louis Cardinals baseball on the radio. Ray went on to manage his own farm before making the very tough decision to sell out in 1993. From there Ray worked for the Pickett Co-op, delivering fuel for over twenty years and working his way up to Manager of Refined Fuels. It is there that Ray learned his gift for gabbing with his customers and local farmers which resulted in his sons awarding him the title of The Picket Gazette. Ray continued to deliver fuel until his retirement from Jacobus Energy in May of 2021. His customers will remember him for having the best delivery response time and of course, the latest country gossip. Ray’s most recent years in life were spent helping his children with anything they needed, taking family trips to St. Louis and tending to his flock of sheep. Ray enjoyed bragging about all the money his lambs brought in, although his wife has yet to see any of those profit checks. During Ray’s short retirement he spent his days hanging at his son’s farm; taking care of the cattle and property. While at the farm he formed a special bond with his grandson and he truly enjoyed sharing the latest stories about his smart and mischievous boy, Graham.
Survivors include the love of his life for thirty-eight years, Mari Mahlke. Children Andy (Mary), Jessica (Tim), Ryan (Katina), Melissa (Aaron) and Austin Mahlke. Grandchildren; Christina (Phil) Putskey, Alex Koseck, Brett Mahlke, Devon Krause, Jordan Koseck, Graham and Gavin Mahlke. Siblings; John Mahlke, Sharon (Chuck) Larson and David Mahlke. Sister-in-law Paula (Mike) Dorsey. Brothers-in-law Steve, Gary (Gina), Tom (Beth) Biesinger and Terry Button. He is further survived by his nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Audrey, two sisters Dawn Button and Darlene Mathison as well as father and mother-in-law Irvin and Irene Biesinger.
Ray’s passion in life was always baseball and farming. From the time he was a young child to his final days of health, he loved anything to do with a ball diamond or a farm. It brings his family great comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering. He has found his eternal resting place on his farm up in the sky where he has the best seat in the house to all the Cardinal games.
A time of sharing, support, and remembering Ray will be held in Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home (865 S Westhaven, Oshkosh) on Monday January 24, from 3:00-5:00 PM. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetrey.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please make a donation to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org/donate, or through the mail at 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
Dad, we will never forget everything you did for us. All of the sacrifices you made and unconditional kindness that you taught us will forever be a part of our lives. There is no need to worry; everything you did in life prepared us to be great people that will take care of one another while you watch over us from above. We love you, Dad. We’ll see you when we get there.
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