Ray Mertes
If you ever found yourself next to Ray Mertes—whether in a boat, at the bait shop or just around town—you’d know it never took long before you were wrapped up in one of his stories. And the best part? He had a lot of them. The kind of stories you didn’t forget. The kind you’d find yourself retelling, laughing just as hard the tenth time as you did the first.
On February 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, Ray set down his rod and reel and paintbrush for the last time. But true to form, he left us with more than a few fish tales to remember him by.
Born October 15, 1948, in Winona, MN, to Lawrence and Irene (Niemeyer) Mertes, Ray grew up with the bluffs and backwaters of the Mississippi River as his playground. After graduating from Winona High School in 1966, he spent a short time in the U.S. Navy before an honorable discharge. He then returned to Winona to attend Winona State College. It was there, in 1971, that he met the love of his life, Peg Zandrews. By June of the next year, they were married, embarking on a 52-year adventure full of love, laughter and devotion.
Ray had a gift—the rare ability to talk to anyone. Whether you were a stranger in the bait shop or his oldest fishing buddy, he made you feel like part of his story. And if you knew Ray, you definitely have a favorite story (just ask around). He was a man who lived for the outdoors, a member of the Trempealeau Sportsman’s Club, several fishing clubs and Winona Archers over the years. Hunting was a passion, but fishing? Fishing was his heartbeat. It didn’t matter if the water was open or frozen, Ray was on it. Some might call it an obsession. Ray would probably just call it a normal day.
Over the years, Ray turned his love of wildlife into art. He was an accomplished wildlife artist, earning accolades in the Wisconsin Trout Stamp, Wisconsin Turkey Stamp, and Wyoming Conservation Stamp competitions, and even a finalist as Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year. As a taxidermist, his specialty was fish—bringing them back to life with the same care and admiration he felt reeling them in.
When he wasn’t casting lines or painting wildlife, you’d find him cheering on his beloved Minnesota Wild and Vikings—though the relationship with those teams was, at times, complicated. If you know Ray, you know.
Ray was also a true miracle—a 20+ year heart transplant survivor who defied the odds. He made the most of the gift he was given, filling his extra years with the people and passions he loved most.
Ray’s proudest catch, however, was his family. His devoted wife, Peg, who was steadfastly by his side through thick and thin, was the heart of it all. He was endlessly proud of his son, Jared, for building a successful career in sales (as well as for his hunting adventures), and of his daughter, Rachelle, for her dedication to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. But his greatest joy came from being “Gramps.” Bradley, Braeden, and Ashlyn, were the light of his life. He was the type of Gramps who would literally drop anything he was doing for them—from shuttling them to activities, cheering from the sidelines, or just spending time together, Ray was always there with a smile on his face. And, of course, we can’t forget all of his dogs over the years, each one a loyal companion, most recently his “Murph.”
And oh, the fishing trips. The annual Memorial Day adventures to northern Minnesota, the summer escapes to Pelican Lake—these were sacred traditions with his son (and best friend) Jared. Of course, every trip came with new stories, and memories they’ll never forget.
Ray’s legacy lives on through his wife, Peg, of Trempealeau; his son, Jared (Kristin), of Savage, MN; his daughter, Rachelle, of Wabasha, MN; his grandchildren: Bradley Jacobs of Trempealeau, Braeden Jacobs of Galesville, and Ashlyn Praxel of Wabasha/Trempealeau; his brother, Jerry (Pat) Mertes of Winona, MN; and his nieces: Chris (John) Fitzgerald of Winona, MN, and Lynn Mertes of Altura, MN.
He’s reunited now with his parents, Lawrence and Irene; and his niece, Cheryl Nash.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Centerville Curling Club, W24854 WI-54, Galesville. Bring your favorite Ray story—we know you have one.
Because if Ray taught us anything, it’s that the best way to keep someone alive is to keep telling their stories. And oh boy, do we have stories.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation to donatelife.net.
Condolences may be made in lieu of flowers to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
