John J. Raymond

John Joseph Raymond, 69, chose to end his journey on this earth at his home in Genoa, WI on October 12, 2023.

John Raymond was born in Racine, WI on August 12, 1954, to the late Patricia and Edwin Raymond, Jr. and shared his life with three brothers and five sisters.  John graduated from Racine Saint Catherine’s in 1972 and achieved a B.S. in Economics from UW-Parkside in 1994.

John Raymond was a self-taught master of trades and had many interests.  His employment ranged from being an oil rigger, gandy dancer, handyman (Jake by the Lake), janitor, and a commission salesman, a profession he referred to as the last of the wild frontier.  Throughout his salesman career he was employed by the Chicago White Sox, Khan-Phillips, CAD/CAM Tools, Imageware, Sensable Technologies, New Shape Technologies, and CATI.  He loved talking on the phone and the art of the sale.

John Raymond was a fan of Elvis Presley, wore a “TCB” ring, and was known for making a delicious Elvis pound cake. He was a voracious reader that enjoyed historical novels and autobiographies. His hobbies included fishing, dancing, ice skating, watching baseball and football, betting on the horses, gardening and birding. He took much joy in cultivating a butterfly garden and enjoyed watching monarchs go from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.  He loved all animals, especially his crew of rescue dogs which he and Becky loved training and taking for walks at the Genoa Fish Hatchery. He was involved with the Wisconsin Herpetology Society (Past President) and the Hoy Audubon Society (Former Field Trip Coordinator/Board member).

John Raymond had a passion for the arts. He was either a member of or a subscriber to the Chicago Art Institute, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, IL.  He also had an intense sense of empathy. He volunteered his time working with the Lions Club of Genoa, Saint Vincent DePaul Society, Saint Patrick’s Church in Racine, WI, and the Crawford Area Shelters for Animals (CASA).

John Raymond is survived by his wife Rebecca Spanjers and her daughter Abigail, his brothers Edwin Raymond III (Peggy), Anthony Raymond, and Peter (Edye) Raymond; his sisters, Jane Raymond, Mary (Kyle) Ainsley, Catherine Laxalt, Margaret (Jeff) Harrington, and Paula (John) Knepprath; 15 nieces and nephews, 7 grand nephews and nieces, all of whom he loved dearly; aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends.  He was the best man for Edwin, he carried Paula home from the hospital, and was godfather to his nephew John Ainsley and cousin Ben Rooney.  John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leonard (infant), his sister Carolyn (infant), his sister in-law Peggy Raymond, his grandparents, many other relatives, and wonderful friends.

John Raymond, may you rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon you. Your smile, humor, kindness, laughter, and love will be greatly missed. You are, and always will be, our “Juan in a Million”.  You were loved.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local NAMI chapter, The La Crosse Lighthouse Respite, the Harmony Club of Racine, WI, your local library, CASA or an organization of your choice. An “Appreciation for John Raymond” event will be held in the near future.