Raymond Poppenga, age 76, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 at St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

A Celebration of Life will be determined for a later date.

Ray was born July 26, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois the son of Raymond and Gertrude Poppenga. As a young adult Ray lived around Boulder, Colorado where he liked to climb the mountains and enjoyed the ample recreational opportunities. In 1978, shortly after moving back to Illinois on Chicago's northside, he met and married the love of his life, Jill Zerfass. The following year with Jill's three daughters and their newborn son, Ryan, they moved to Wisconsin Dells to continue their life together. Ray and Jill had the same interest in antiques which they eventually turned into the family business by opening the Antique Mall of Wisconsin Dells. Over the years they developed the business to include a second Antique Mall, a Craft mall, and a Candy store. In Ray's later years, he spent time fishing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin with his growing family making fond memories. Ray's sense of humor could make anyone laugh especially his family.

Upon retirement, Ray never lost his passion for "the hunt" and spent much of his time at estate sales, auctions, and flea markets seeking whatever treasures he might find right up until his death. Ray will be greatly missed.

Ray is survived by his wife Jill, son Ryan Poppenga; daughters, Janet (Wendall) Bare, Kathie (Terry) Marshall, Karen (Dean) Wimann; sister, Marlene Cesaretti. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents.