Raymond Anthony Metz

1951-2025

Raymond Anthony Metz, 74, of Medford, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025 at his home. He was born May 6, 1951 in Medford to Ben and Myrtle (Kornack) Metz. He grew up in Stetsonville and graduated from Medford High School in 1969. He continued his education at NTC in Wausau, earning his degree in Tool and Die.

On Dec. 1, 1973, Ray married Marilyn Harmon in Stetsonville. Ray worked for several places doing road construction before taking over the family farm in Stetsonville and starting Metz Forest Products, a logging company with his cousin Mark Metz. Ray and Marilyn sold the farm in 1994 and he retired from logging in 2020.

Ray was a real outdoorsman; he enjoyed vegetable gardening, hunting and fishing. He even built a pond on their property and stocked it with bass and bluegills so he could fish whenever he wanted!! This pond became known for its great stock and drew not only his grandkids, but locals as well. He was proud that each of his grandchildren learned to swim and fish there.

For over 25 years, the family gathered at Ray and Marilyn’s home in the summer to have a weekend together. The annual steak feed included bonfires, camping, swimming, a fish boil, and Saturday night steak dinner. This gathering grew to include not only immediate family, but friends from all over. Ray was known to be a man who was always willing to drop everything to help and support those in need. The love Ray felt for his family was evident in his daily life, and was certainly reciprocated by each and every one of his children and grandchildren, who will carry on his legacy of family dedication and love of the outdoors. Papa loved his grandkids and their friends!

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn, of Medford; his four children, Tracey (Tim) Samuelson, of Eau Claire, Gina (Brian) Griebeler, of Medford, Rod (Holly) Metz, of Medford, Lisa (Lee) Treichel, of Green Bay; his beloved grandchildren, Nicole and Rachel Samuelson, Ty (Siarra) and Bayley Metz, Adeline, Asa, and Raymond Treichel; his siblings, Carol (Danny) Pozanc, of Winona, Minn., Barb (Dan) Williams, of Reedsburg, Karen (Jerry) Roberts, of Medford, Kurt (Deb) Metz, of Medford; brother-inlaw, Bill Yessa, of Edgar; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Norman Metz; sister, Mary Yessa; and a sister-in-law, Jackie Metz.

All are welcome to join the family for a visitation from 12 p.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time when it is warmer!!

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are appreciated.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Paid Obituary 178449