Lake Nebagamon Mourns Beloved Patriarch and Visionary: Raymond "Ray" Nick Perala

Raymond "Ray" Nick Perala, 82, of Lake Nebagamon, WI, passed away on April 14th, 2024, in Duluth, Minnesota. Born in 1942, Ray was raised by his uncle, Eino Perala, and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1960. He earned a degree in Business Management from UWS and married Candace "Candy" Nys in 1980. Ray is survived by his wife, brother, children, stepdaughter, and grandchildren.

Raymond "Ray" Nick Perala: A Loving Patriarch and Dedicated Visionary

With profound sorrow, we bid farewell to Raymond "Ray" Nick Perala, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Ray, a pillar of the Lake Nebagamon community, passed away on April 14th, 2024, in Duluth, Minnesota, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Born on April 7th, 1942, in Superior, Wisconsin, to Nick and Viena Ahola, Ray's childhood took an unexpected turn upon the untimely demise of his parents. Nurtured by his loving uncle, Eino Perala, he grew up in the quaint town of Maple, Wisconsin, where he attended Northwestern High School and graduated with honors in 1960.

Driven by an unyielding thirst for knowledge, Ray pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he earned a degree in Business Management with a minor in Mathematics. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would span over four decades.

In a serendipitous encounter that would forever shape his life, Ray met Candace "Candy" Nys, the woman who would become his cherished life partner. They exchanged vows on June 16th, 1980, embarking on a journey filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support.

Ray's legacy extends far beyond his immediate family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Candy; his brother, Don Viinikka, of Canada; and his children: Christopher and Courtney Perala of Superior, Cari Ann and Andrew Paulson of Foxboro, and stepdaughter Amy Lynn and Mike Ribaudo of Superior. Among his loved ones, Ziva, his loyal Golden Retriever, and Flower, his precious feline companion, hold a special place in his heart.

Sadly, Ray's journey was marked by the passing of several loved ones, including his parents, brother Marvin Perala, and stepson Gary "Poncho" Brill. Yet, their memory lived on in his heart, inspiring him to cherish every moment with his remaining family.

Ray was a doting grandfather, attending countless events and activities to support his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His unwavering love and guidance shaped their lives, instilling in them the values that had guided him throughout his own.

With unwavering dedication and an entrepreneurial spirit, Ray established and grew his appraisal business for over 40 years. His tireless work ethic fueled his unwavering commitment to providing a stable and fulfilling life for his family. His legacy as a successful businessman is a testament to his hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in his abilities.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ray was a generous and compassionate soul. He shared his success unhesitatingly, regularly opening his home to animals in need. His kindness and genuine heart extended to all who crossed his path, leaving an enduring mark on the lives of both people and animals alike.

Ray's passions extended beyond his family and business. He relished watching westerns, especially the Yellowstone series, immersing himself in the captivating narratives of the American frontier. Country music, with its timeless melodies and evocative lyrics, held a special place in his heart. He was also an avid coin collector, taking great pride in his meticulously curated collection.

In his leisure time, Ray found solace and serenity in the outdoors. He spent countless hours planting pine trees and tending to his yard, transforming his home into a sanctuary of nature. Ray and Candy shared over 40 years of memories in Lake Nebagamon, regularly welcoming animals in need into their loving home.

Ray's unwavering optimism and infectious laughter lit up every room he entered. Even amidst life's challenges, he remained a beacon of hope and positivity, inspiring those around him to embrace life's adventures with a smile. His kindness and willingness to help others, no matter the circumstances, left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

In his final days, Ray received exceptional care from the dedicated healthcare team at Essentia Health. Special gratitude is extended to Wanda and Reece, whose compassionate and personalized care brought comfort to Ray and his family during this difficult time.

As we bid farewell to our beloved Ray, his memory will forever remain etched in our hearts. His unwavering love, unwavering dedication, and infectious spirit will continue to guide and inspire us. While his physical presence may be gone, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering optimism will live on, leaving an enduring mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to honor Ray's life and celebrate the countless memories he shared with his loved ones. Details will be announced in due course.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Lake Nebagamon Animal Shelter in Ray's memory. Your contributions will help perpetuate his legacy of compassion and care for both people and animals.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, located at 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, is honored to assist the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence, share a memory, or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Perala family and all who mourn Ray's passing. May his memory serve as a constant source of comfort and inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, kindness, love, and unwavering optimism can triumph.