Raymond H. "Nick" Schlaak, age 87, of Oshkosh, died Thursday morning July 17, 2008 at Bethel Home, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous 8 year battle with cancer. He was born in the Township of Erin Prairie, Wisconsin on January 9, 1921 to August and Emma (Otto) Schlaak. Ray was a 1940 graduate of Oshkosh High School. It was in Oshkosh that he met Jeanette M. Wohlt and they were later married on November 1, 1941.

Ray was employed by Badger Lumber from 1940-1942. He was a 36 year employee of Wisconsin Axle, working in the Gear Department-Metal Lab, before becoming a foreman of the Heat Treat Department, retiring in 1977. Ray was then employed for a short period of time with Badger Electric. He was a deer hunter of 50 years, traveled to Canada for over 30 years to fish, enjoyed golfing, and had a passion for bowling, holding a 170 plus average until the age of 80. Ray enjoyed a good game of cards with the boys and was known to "tip a few" once in awhile.


During WWII, Ray served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, 47th Fighter Squadron, 15th Fighter Group, from February 2, 1943 to February 1, 1946, attaining the rank of Sergeant.


Left to mourn his passing is his wife of 67 years, Jeanette Schlaak; daughters, Sue Zuhlke, Bonnie (Terry) Lewis, Dawn Devoe, and Tonya (John) Schulz; sons, Dennis (Tracie) Schlaak and Jeff (Denise) Schlaak; grandchildren, Cheryl, Jay, Kelly, Deanna, Jeri, Chad (Kristin), Molly, Samuel, Troy (Rebecca), Amber, Mandy, Jake, Nathan, and Nicole; and numerous great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother Donald Schlaak, nieces, and nephews. Preceding Nick in death are his parents, a brother, Clarence Schlaak, two sisters, Enid Wacholtz and Verna Knoblock, two sons-in-law, Duane Zuhlke and Galen Devoe, a grandson, Matthew Zuhlke, and a great-grandson, Kyle Gessert.


Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 21, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 1025 Oregon Street, with Reverend Ralph DiBiasio-Snyder officiating. Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Park with full military honors given by United Veterans Honor Guard. A time of visitation and sharing of memories will be held on Monday from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.


Ray was loved by all and was a great husband and father. He will also be missed by his "adopted sons," who he taught his love of hunting and fishing at the hunting shack in Saxeville, Wisconsin.


Ray's family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Bethel Home 1 West, especially Nurse Tammy Hager, for all their care and compassion given to Ray during his stay there. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family.


Seefeld Funeral and
Cremation Services
(920) 236-7750