DR. RAY PAWLISCH

Ray was born on June 2, 1955, in Monroe, WI, to Dean and Leah (Gaetzke) Pawlisch. He was united in marriage with Carol (Beatty) Pawlisch on December 29, 1979, in Madison, Wisconsin. Ray grew up in Brodhead, WI, and graduated from Brodhead High School in 1973. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science with Dean’s honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1978, he completed his Master of Science degree in Veterinary Medical Microbiology and Virology.

While working as a research assistant in the UW-Madison Veterinary Science Department, Ray participated in an influenza virus surveillance study of Arctic seabirds on St. Paul Island, Alaska. In 1982, he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University, where he served as President of his Veterinary Medicine Class and was honored with the Large Animal Medicine and Surgery Award along with the Clark Memorial Award for Leadership and Scholarship.

Also in 1982, Ray began his career at the Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center, where he eventually became a partner. Although he started as a mixed animal veterinarian, he later focused on large animal care, motivated by his desire to promote health, educate, and support farm families. His passion and commitment extended beyond the Brodhead area; he served as President of the Rock Valley Veterinary Medical Association and was a committee member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Additionally, he was President and a member of the Executive Board for the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, receiving the Meritorious Service Award, and was honored as Veterinarian of the Year in 2017.

The community held great significance for him, and he consistently worked to make a meaningful impact. He served as a director at the Bank of Brodhead and was the President of the Brodhead Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he was a member of the Brodhead Area Foundation and received the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award. He took pleasure in coaching baseball teams and leading high adventure trips for Boy Scouts. In Green County, he served as a board member for the Green County Health Coalition and the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association. For many years, he also contributed by presenting at the Food for America program.

Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman and was sharing his love for the outdoors with his grandchildren. Boating, canoeing, and rafting were favorite activities that allowed him and his family to discover the amazing beauty on the water.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, the church choir, the Adult Bible Study, and the United Methodist Men’s group. Together Carol and Ray taught Sunday school for over 30 years.

Ray is survived by 2 sons: Benjamin (Andrea) Pawlisch and Dean (Joanna) Pawlisch; 7 grandchildren: Audrey, Sam, Owen, Everett, Magnus, Truman and Harvey; his brother Kim Pawlisch; sister Deb (Paul) Chotlos (children: Anna, Nate, and Matt); and nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials can be made to the Brodhead United Methodist Church or to the Sully Fund at the Brodhead Veterinary Medical Center which provides financial help toward life-saving surgeries and treatments to animals in need.

A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at the Brodhead United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM. A visitation will also be held at the church on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 PM and on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. A private burial will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery, on a later date.

The DL Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead is assisting the family.