Raymond E. “Smokey” LaBarge, age 95, formerly of Wisconsin Rapids, WI died Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Edgewater Haven Nursing Home, Port Edwards, WI.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Fr. Aaron Becker will officiate. Visitation will be at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM and also on Saturday at the Church from 9:00-10:00 AM. There will be a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 PM Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Ray was born May 14, 1923 in Stevens Point, WI to Frank and Rilla (Precourt) LaBarge. He married Catherine “Kay” Steckel on June 16, 1953 in Stevens Point, WI. She preceded him in death on March 3, 2000. He worked for the railroad for many years retiring as a conductor for the Milwaukee Road. Ray was a long time member of the 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus, Council #1558 of Wisconsin Rapids. He also was a long time member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church, where he was an usher and money counter.

Ray is survived by three children, Kathleen (Craig) Stevens of Eyota, MN, James (Maggie) LaBarge of Nekoosa, WI and Robert LaBarge of Wiscosnin Rapids, WI; six grandchildren, Allen (Stephanie) LaBarge, Nicole LaBarge, Barbara LaBarge, Natasha LaBarge, Cassandra Stevens and Alexandra Stevens; and three great grandchildren, Holden, Theo and Paisley.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Catherine and brother, Bernard LaBarge.

The LaBarge family would like to thank the caregivers at Edgewater Haven for the excellent care given to their father, grandfather and great grandfather.