Raymond Meissner Obituary

Raymond Jerome Meissner, age 78, passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after an eleven-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Ray was born on May 13, 1947, in Racine, Wisconsin, to the late Simon Meissner and Regina (Drydyk) Meissner.

Ray shared 57 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Gayle Kathleen (Fink) Meissner, a union rooted in love, faith, and steadfast devotion. Together, they built a family that was the center of his life.

Ray is survived by his wife, Gayle; his children David Meissner (Liz Meissner), Ryan Meissner (Ruth Meissner), Lisa Mulligan, and Laura Peterson (Eric Peterson); and his cherished grandchildren Tyler, Mitch, Cade, Tommy, Maisy, Ainslie, Emma, Holden, and Alyssa, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

Ray was preceded in death by his siblings Carl Meissner, Richard Meissner, Dorothy (Meissner) Johnson, and Simon Meissner. He is also survived by his siblings Arlene (Meissner) Lombardi, and Jane (Meissner) Mutchler. Ray’s brother Jerry Meissner passed away on January 23, 2026.

Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years (1966–1968), including eight months in Vietnam, where he served in a MASH hospital.

Professionally, Ray spent many years with J.I. Case, based in Racine, Wisconsin, including six years abroad in Athens, Greece. Upon returning to the United States, Ray, Gayle, and their family settled in the Denver area, where he founded his tax consulting business, Meissner Associates.

Ray found joy on the golf course with his buddies at Heritage Eagle Bend and with his “Still Crazy” high school friends. He cheered enthusiastically for each of his grandchildren from the sidelines and passionately supported Colorado sports teams. Known for his integrity, reliability, and faithfulness, Ray was someone others depended on—a quiet strength and a constant source of support.

Our family extends deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the entire Highline Place Memory Care staff; the Abode Hospice team and the Legacy Therapy team. Their exceptional care, love, and unwavering support sustained all of us. They were truly pillars of strength and carried us through the final stages of Ray's Parkinson's journey.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to the Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies, Davis Phinney Foundation or Saint Catherine’s High School in Racine, Wisconsin.