Raymond G. “Ray” Mente, 89, of Shawano, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in Shawano.
Ray was born Aug. 16, 1937, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, to the late John and Lucy (Katnig) Mente.
After graduating from Iron Mountain High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country. On Aug. 5, 1961, Ray was united in marriage to Julie Brosio in Iron Mountain. The couple shared a wonderful 61 years together before her passing in 2022.
In 1962, Ray earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and went on to serve the state of Wisconsin as a probation and parole officer for 30 years, retiring in 1995.
Ray and Julie moved to Shawano in 1964, where they raised their family and built a life filled with love, laughter and community. Ray enjoyed sports throughout his life, spending many years playing shortstop in local softball leagues, golfing and biking.
He shared his love for sports and his desire to make a difference by coaching, serving as both a soccer coach and a youth baseball manager. He was a founding member of the board of directors for the Shawano Lobos and Shawano Youth Soccer.
In retirement, Ray found joy in woodworking, tending and savoring the harvest from his vegetable garden, reading and spending time with his children and grandchildren. One of his greatest pastimes was playing cribbage. He was always on the lookout for a worthy opponent and took great joy in teaching his grandchildren the game, helping them master the strategy and rhythm behind every play.
Ray was also known for his infamous one-liners — quick, clever and occasionally not entirely appropriate remarks that appeared effortlessly and left people either smiling or delightfully bewildered. His humor made every interaction unforgettable.
Ray was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano and will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
Ray is survived by his children, Stephen (Suzanne) Mente, Ann Mente and Matthew (Katrina) Mente; grandchildren, Melissa (Ernie) Barrameda, Anthony (Abbey) Mente, Katheryn (Joe Heitz) Mente, Sarah Mente and Joseph Mente; and greatgrandchildren, Olivia, Reyna, Cecelia, and Graham. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members. Ray cherished many friendships throughout his life, including his lifelong friend, Richard Masse, as well as his wonderful neighbors, Tim and Cherie Schultz.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Julie; siblings, John, Bernard, Paul, Joseph, Mary and Louise; and his parents, John and Lucy.
A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Military honors will be conducted at the church following the service, and inurnment will take place at Sacred Heart Mausoleum.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano, ThedaCare at Home and Shawano Health Services for their compassionate care, kindness and support during Ray’s final months.
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
