RAYMOND GENE BEHLING

Raymond Gene Behling, 71, of Marshfield, passed away suddenly Wednesday, December 21, 2022, while working in his shop. A Celebration of Life will be held next summer for family and friends.

Ray was born June 11, 1951, in Neillsville, the first son of Willard and Geraldine Behling, of Marshfield. Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Janice; son, Tyler; and daughter, Jenna (Brady) Mulroy; his sister, Linda (Stephen) Raap; and his brothers, Ronald Behling; David (Susan) Behling; Michael (Lisa) Behling; and Daniel (Teresa) Behling. He is also survived by one grandchild, Kyla Mulroy, and numerous other nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents.

A man who was good with his hands, Ray was just 21 when he built a 1914 Mercer Raceabout automobile from scratch, fashioning each part of the car with patience and precision—qualities that served him well throughout his life. Some years later, Ray drove that same car on his wedding day and continued to do so for many years thereafter. He was also a man of many creative talents who always looked forward to his next project. He loved solving mechanical problems, and engineered solutions to those problems in all aspects of his life.

Beyond problem solving, Ray loved searching for robust coffee flavors, spicy food availabilities, dark beer breweries, and cheeses of the world. And in his final decade or so of life, Ray and Jan hit the road whenever they got the urge, in their 18-wheeled semi truck, moving goods throughout the United States for the fun and profit of the experience, in what they called their “semi-retirement.” Ray was a man with a tender soul and hands of love that consistently held the hands of Jan, wherever they walked throughout their lives together.  

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