Ray Brantmeier

Ray Brantmeier, age 78, of Maribel, passed away at home with family by his side on July 7, 2026. He was born on November 17, 1947 to the late Leo and Delphine (Everts) Brantmeier. On April 27, 1974 he married Sandy Birling, and together they had 4 children. Ray served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1968. Ray maintained a hobby farm throughout his working years in addition to first working for Eck Industry and later Natural Beauty as a supervisor. In his spare time Ray enjoyed watching Westerns, attending Ron and Mike Music and Kenny Yahnke shows, playing bingo, going out to eat with Pat and Barb and attending as many family gatherings as possible.

Ray is survived by his wife, Sandy; children: Scott (significant other Apple), Craig (Kelly), Stacy (Dan) Van Caster, Cristy (significant other Eric) Murray; grandchildren: Tony Brantmeier, Sean Volkema, Ashley Garcia, Andrew Brantmeier, Dalton Van Caster, Ella Van Caster, Sierra Hendricks, Noah Hendricks; great-grandchildren: Breylynn and Kendahl; siblings: Ev Van Deurzen, Pat (Barb) Brantmeier, Ann Brantmeier, Mae (Ed) Enz, Bill (significant other Jane) Brantmeier, Rose (Dan) Rosik; Sandy’s siblings: Judy (Tom) Micolichek and Sherry (Don) Wagner; sister-in-law Rita Brantmeier; as well as nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by great-grandchild Braxton Volkema; his three brothers Richard “Dicky,” Bernard “Butch,” and Gerald “Jerry,” as well as family friend Lidwin “Lid.”

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home- Denmark Chapel (536 County Highway R) on Tuesday, July 14, from 3-7pm. The evening will conclude with a sharing of memories and full military honors.

Our family would like to thank the caregivers at Unity Hospice for their quick and compassionate support, his dear brother and sister-in-law Pat and Barb Brantmeier for supporting and caring for us and Dr. Guntupalli and staff who gave dad almost three extra years with us.