Raymond Francis Fait, 76, of Marshfield Wi passed away March 30, 2026 in Knoxville, TN. He was unable to recover from the complications of emergency heart surgery. He and his wife Jeanie were taking a well deserved vacation with other family and friends at the time. His wife Jeanie, his son Brian, and daughter Becky were at his side during his passing.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at the Rembs Funeral Home with Deacon Ray Draeger and Beth Zarnke officiating. The family welcomes relatives and friends for a time of visitation from 9am until time of service at the funeral home. A private entombment at Hillside Cemetery Columbarium will be held at a later date.

Ray was born May 29, 1949 at St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield, to Irene (Tauschek) and Sylvester Fait. Ray grew up on the family dairy farm SW of Marshfield. He was the 6th of 8 siblings. He graduated from Columbus HS class of 1967. He purchased the family farm in May 1971 and married his life partner, the former Miss Norma Jean Bangart on July 10, 1971. She vowed never to marry a farmer but love played a sneaky trick that changed the course of her life forever.

To Ray, farming wasn’t just a business, or a lifestyle, it was a passion with him. He developed a small family farm into a thriving agricultural enterprise. Ray was self taught, becoming a savvy business man and expert in agricultural issues. Over his lifetime he transitioned the farm from dairy production, to dairy heifer management, finally to crop farming. Ray is well known and respected in the farming community for his well tended fields, his knowledge of all things farm, his kindness and willingness to always lend a helping hand, and the love he had for the land. The pursuit of new tractors and other green and yellow equipment was a favorite pastime of his. He was soft spoken, had a quirky laugh and sense of humor, honest to his core, and had strong convictions that he lived by. He loved telling stories that could sometimes go on to infinity if not checked.

Ray developed a special liking for donkey’s after frequently visiting with several a neighbor had. He became interested in The Memory Lane Farm outside of Marshfield who works with kids and adults through animal connections and convinced the owners they needed a donkey. He purchased and donated one for them, called her Daisy, and she’s been a star since her arrival.

Ray leaves behind his wife of almost 55 years, Jean (Bangart) Fait, their 3 children: Brian (Sharon)Fait of Portage, WI; Mitchell (Krista) Fait of Franklin, WI; Rebecca Fait & parter Aaron Gleeman of Minneapolis, MN; and 2 grandchildren Sydney & Aaron of Portage. He is further survived by his siblings: Irene Reigel of Appleton, WI; Elaine Stark of Appleton; Richard Fait of Texas; Robert Fait of Mauston, WI; Ronald Fait of Madison WI; and Bonnie (Bruce) Senst of Appleton, WI

Ray is preceded in death by his parents Irene (Tauschek) and Sylvester Fait, sister Carol Fruehbrodt, and sister-in-law Cathy Fait.

Ray was a dedicated father and grandfather. He loved the uniqueness of each of them, allowing them to find their own passions in life with his support and watchfulness.

He and his wife were as one. Working together through life, building a family, and healthy environment for them to grow up in. In His later years he enjoyed traveling with family and friends. He will be missed by so many.

To Ray’s dear friend and confidant Jason Scheel: Thank you for your dedication through the years, Ray couldn’t have managed the farm without your help.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Memory Lane Farm in his name on their website memorylanefarm.org or to the Christmas Angel Project at W3514 Tree Road, Granton, WI 54436