Raymond Henry Wilt
November 26, 1954 ~ June 17, 2025
In Loving Memory of Raymond Henry Wilt
November 26, 1954 – June 17, 2025
Raymond Henry Wilt, known to most simply as Ray, completed his final shift on Earth on June 17, 2025. He clocked out peacefully, surrounded by the love he gave so freely in life—and probably muttering some loving, clever comment to keep us smiling through the tears.
Born on a cold November day in 1954, Ray got his start on an Iowa farm, where he learned early the value of hard work, humility, and caring for others. Raised by Rosalie and Delbert Wilt, and growing up alongside his three brothers—Dennis (now reunited with him), Maurice, and Michael—Ray’s roots were deep, his values sturdy, and his sense of humor, like the crops he raised, sometimes corny.
But Ray was never one to just stay planted. He left Iowa and planted roots in Florida. He became a nurse and devoted over 30 years of his life to caring for others—calm in crisis, gentle in pain, and always able to earn a laugh. His patients were lucky to have him; his colleagues luckier still.
Though proud of his career, Ray was never more fulfilled than in the roles of husband, dad, and Papa. He shared a life of love and laughter with his wife, Carol, his partner in all things sarcastic and sweet. Together, they raised two sons, Ryan and Daniel, who inherited his wit, his compassion, and—depending on who you ask—his dashing looks.
Ray found joy in countless activities with his family. Ray especially enjoyed the rugged beauty of Philmont Scout camp with Daniel. Ray was a constant presence in his grandchildren’s lives. Tanner, Jaxson, Gunnar, Cora, and Amelia knew him as the kind of Papa who’d teach you the ways around DIY projects, make you laugh at the dinner table, and sneak you treats when Mom wasn’t looking. He didn’t just love his family—he showed it, every day, in a thousand quiet ways.
Ray leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and dad jokes that will echo through generations. He taught us that strength is gentle, that love is loudest in the little things, and that sometimes, the best way to deal with life is to smile, shrug, and say, “Well, that’s something.”
He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest telling a good story, helping a neighbor, or hugging your family just a bit longer—Ray would’ve liked that.
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Many happy memories with Ray….he trained me in the OR!! Carol and the boys and all the grands are in my prayers!!
I loved Raymond with all my heart, like a brother that I never had. We grew up down the road from each other and Raymond and I always were on the same 500 team (ask Mike) against his younger brother and my older sister. We were pretty good but we rarely won. We did guy things when we were at their farm and they did girl things when they were at our farm. Yes, the four Wilt boys grew up a half a mile down the road from the four Reisch girls. We celebrated holidays together, birthdays together, putting up sweet corn, learning to waterski, & just growing up together. Rosalie, Ray’s Mom, always wondered why none of us got married & I said to her, you wouldn’t marry your brother would you? Raymond was always so good looking, athletic, intelligent, polite, a well rounded farm boy that knew the value of working hard, having good clean fun, praying reverently & loving deeply. One of a kind was Raymond, he will be missed by all that knew him. Love always, Mary