Raymond H. “Duke” Lavrenz of Campbellsport died on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac at the age of 93 years.
He was born June 3, 1933, in Campbellsport to the late Gustave and Gertrude (nee Dickmann) Lavrenz.
In his earlier years, he was a huge John Wayne fan. This is how he earned the nickname “Duke”.
In the early 1960s, Ray moved to West Bend until returning to the Campbellsport area in 2018.
For 29 years he worked for Ataco Steel Products at the Grafton and later Cedarburg locations, retiring as a punch press operator.
In retirement, he enjoyed listening to polka music, playing bingo and many sheepshead tournaments.
He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 10 and Lodge #1398 Loyal Order Of Moose in West Bend.
Survivors include a son, Raymond, Jr. (Helen) of Campbellsport; two grandchildren, Hannah (Jessica) Gohde and Jacob (Faviola Robles); one great-grandson, Nikolas Gohde; one sister, Bernice Bastian; two brothers, Clayton (Sandy) Lavrenz and Spencer Lavrenz; a special friend, Kathy Duncan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters, Delbert, Joyce Clark, Kenneth, Evelyn Gatzke, Beatrice Blumenberg, Darwin and Donald.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 18, at the Schmidt Funeral Home from 3:30 until 5:15 p.m. with funeral services to follow at 5:30 p.m. Private burial will be at a later date in Auburn Cemetery.
