Raymond Lloyd Hughes, 94, of Chippewa Falls, WI, was called from this life to eternal life in heaven on July 15, 2026.

Ray was born on July 30, 1931, in Barron, WI to John and Augusta (Haugen) Hughes. He grew up on the family farm in Hillsdale and graduated from Barron High School in 1949. Ray was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean conflict, where he was able to hone his passion for math, numbers, and land. He was honorably discharged in November 1953 and returned to Barron, where he worked for Cooper Engineering in Rice Lake and joined the 32nd Division Red Arrow National Guard. Ray also owned and managed service stations in Rice Lake while earning his Survey Tech degree.

He met the love of his life at a dance in Rice Lake. Ray and Gloria Gravunder were married May 15, 1954, at Bethel Lutheran in New Auburn, WI, with a dance at Salisbury Ballroom.

Ray accepted a position with Owen Ayres and Associates in Eau Claire, WI, moving his family to Chippewa Falls in 1966. At that time, he was the only surveyor at the young company. While at Owen Ayres, he earned his Registered Land Surveyor License and trained many surveyors. Ray retired from Owen Ayres in 1995, after nearly 30 years of service.

After his retirement he continued working in the surveying business as owner of Hughes Surveying, LLC, working for many title companies, banks, and private parties. At the age of 84 he renewed his surveyor’s license so he could continue in the profession he loved and keep his mind sharp. And sharp he was – at 87, Ray went to class to renew his surveying license for one last time. He continued to survey and draw maps until he retired again at 89 years young.

He had the honor of surveying in all 72 Wisconsin counties, working closely with county highway commissioners. Always so proud of his work, he used car rides with his family to share the details and how long the jobs took.

Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, cabin time with his family, and taking meticulous care of his yard. Singing was one of his many gifts, and he sang at funerals and weddings over the years. Ray and Gloria built three cabins together (Minong, Cobban, and Otter Lake), where their large family would gather most weekends. The Minong cabin was a favorite where many memories were made with their grandchildren.

Ray and Gloria have been members of the Lake Hallie United Methodist Church in Lake Hallie for over 50 years. Ray served his church in many capacities over the years (especially singing in the choir), until he was 89 (mowing the lawn up until then).

In 2019, Ray was part of the Freedom Honor Flight with his son Steve, who is a Navy veteran.

Ray’s legacy of hard work and quiet strength lives on with his ever-growing circle of family … a marriage of 72 years, 5 children, 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 6 great, great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; his children, Steven Daniel (Karen Bowe) Hughes of North Fort Myers, Florida, Terry Ray (Michelle Boyea) of Stanley, Vicki LaRae (Jeff) Bresina of Stanley, Mark Barry (Lori Dobbs) of Lake Nebagamon, and Pamela Kay (Paul) Albrecht of Holmen; grandchildren Sarah (Bill) Bauer, Scott (Kelsey) Hughes, Heidi (Jeremy) Kenealy, Holli (Craig) Sande, Hesston (Jenna) Hughes, Heather Stoyke, Carly (Cody) Overgard, Alex (Taylor) Bresina, Matt (Megan) Hughes, Nicole (Jim) Linn, Andrew (James Judge) Albrecht, Anna (Michael) Anthony, and Bethany (Erik) Qvale; great grandchildren, Amanuel, Denbello, Hannah & Milan Bauer, Ellie, Kilee & Raymond Hughes, Brad (Ava) Kenealy, Brooke (Matt) Blank, Austin (Courtney Raymond) Sande, Mason (Ryleah Nelson) Sande, Isabella Sande, Faith (Caleb) Briel, Sydney, Elizabeth & Coehn Mathison, Olivia & Oliver Overgard, Hunter Hughes, Adeline & Eleanor Linn, Hadley & Holden Schuld, Quinn & Scottie Qvale; great, great grandchildren Scottie & Charlie Kenealy, Jorgie Jo Blank (and one due in September), and Luke, Raelynn & Haven Briel.

He is further survived by a sister Patricia (Richard) Fladten of Barron, brother Wayne Hughes of Minong, sister-in-law Beverly Hyland of Chippewa Falls, brother-in-law Waldron (Maryann) Gravunder of Stillwater, MN, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ray was proceeded in death by his parents, in-laws Fred and Anna Gravunder, sister and brother-in-law Norma & Ray Frankenberg, sister-in-law Mary Hughes, and great grandson Theodore (Theo) Anthony.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026 at Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center; 1717 Devney Drive, Altoona, WI 54720. Services will begin with visitation from 9:30 AM – 11 AM, followed by the memorial service and military honors at 11 AM. A luncheon will be held after military honors.

Memorials can be directed to the Lake Hallie United Methodist Church.