Elmer W. Ragen, 97, passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of June 22, 2026.
Elmer was born April 17, 1929, in Oconto to Audrey and Alvina Ragen. He was nicknamed “Red” by his family, and that stayed with him throughout his life. Elmer was raised in Lena and attended Victory Elementary and Lena High, graduating in 1947. Elmer enlisted and served in the United States Navy (1950-54) achieving the rank of petty officer first class and serving in the Korean War, recognized as a combat veteran.
Elmer married Patricia (Pat) Ravey on Oct. 8, 1955, and together they welcomed three children, Jim, Marty and Patty. Pat passed away from cancer Jan. 28, 1982; Elmer remarried Nov. 5, 1983, to Beverly (Bev) Weyenberg, who passed June 11, 2025.
After his military service, Elmer attended NWTI (now NWTC) for automotive mechanic training, later instructing classes for the program. He worked as a mechanic for Karcz Ford and later owned and operated Elmer’s Mobil Station in Pulaski for 18 years.
In his spare time, Elmer volunteered for the Pulaski and Little Suamico fire departments, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was a proud member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He had a huge passion for softball, managing North Chase Elmer’s Mobil team and Carver Boat team, as well as stock car racing during the 1960s and ’70s. Many hours were spent with his buddies Tom and Ray fishing and drinking PBRs.
Elmer was the Oconto County veterans service officer until retiring in 2000.
Elmer’s greatest passion was public service. He served on the Chase Town Board, followed by a long tenure on the Little Suamico Town Board. Elmer was also a longtime county board supervisor for Oconto County and served on multiple county board committees.
In September 2023, Elmer received the Congressional Record from the House of Representatives for his impressive career and service to the United States as a veteran and to the State of Wisconsin as a county supervisor. This was presented by former U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher. He was also recognized for being the longest serving county supervisor at the time and for his retirement as chairman of the Little Suamico Town Board.
Elmer is survived by his children Jim Ragen, Marty (Deb) Ragen and Patty (Eric) Barber; grandchildren, Justen, Shannon, Gwynn, Rick, Josh and Mike; great-grandchildren, Ally, Carter, Crew, Creedon, Wyatt, Cole, Leah, Seth, Jude, Adah, Sunny and one on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Gloria Holtiger, Marlene Peetz and Vi (Arliss) Ausloo; sister-in-law, Dorothy Ragen; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Elmer was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert (Bob) Ragen, Clayton “Duffy” Ragen, Lulaine Beekman, Linda Mehlberg and Norbert “Nubs” Ragen.
We are forever grateful to those who helped Elmer stay in the place that he loved, Big Jim Aerts for his loyalty and friendship and longstanding Wednesday Beer and Burger travels, Marie Coopman for the countless hours and care you gave, the Virtues family, notably Brian, for always taking Elmer’s calls, including him in plans and checking in on him, the Lade Beach Road neighbors for all the favors and time spent checking in, and countless others who we cannot being to name.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, from 4-8 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026. Visitation will continue on Saturday, June 27, from 9-11 a.m. at St. Edward & Isidore Catholic Church, 3667 Flintville Road, Suamico, WI 54313. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday a the church with the Rev. Scott Valentyn officiating. Burial will be at St. Edward’s Cemetery will military rites. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gallagherfuneralhome.net.
The family would also like to thank Unity Hospice (Josephine, Gail, Hannah, Ashley, Erin, Chaplain Nicole) and Unity Care Companions (Deb, Amber, Amanda) for the compassion and loyalty that was provided; and Cornerstone Caregiving (Lora and Mayra) overnight angels making sure Elmer was safe and comfortable in the last weeks.
Elmer is now at rest with loved ones, but his legacy will live on in the work he did and the people he knew. A very full life.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given.
