As received from the Pearce Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Raymond Patrick Jacques – affectionately known as “Ray Ray” – was born December 1, 1959 to John and Aileen Jacques in Hancock. He passed away on September 14, 2026 at Westgate Nursing Home in Ironwood.
Ray was the youngest of three rough and tumble Jacques brothers, who grew up on S. Lincoln Drive and spending summers at Rice Lake. He attended St. Joseph-St. Patrick Catholic School, and graduated in 1978 from Hancock High School. As a young man he worked catering events with his mother and other family members, and grew as a professional musician. He married Sherry Rappana in 1982; they had one child, Rachel. They were married just a few years, but remained friends for life. Ray stayed involved in his daughter’s life, spending summers with her at Rice Lake and attending her band concerts and skating shows.
Over the years Ray worked as a drummer, baker, bartender, custodian, and other jobs. He worked at Thurner Bakery, D&L Janitorial, the Gay Bar and the Maple Leaf. He was known as a top-notch drummer playing in various bands, most notably the Dodge Street Band and Fat Chance. He played annually at Mel Fest in Ahmeek and the Legion Picnic at Rice Lake, and was part of countless graduations, weddings and other community events. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, serving at one time as a Commander at Maple Leaf Post 291. Many knew him as a great listener, a trusted confidant, and (avoiding the Packers vs. Lions debate) a Vikings fan. He loved beer and wild Rice Lake blueberries.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Aileen, his brother Christopher “Poochie”, and his uncle Omer “Mo” (Jean) Brooks of Norway and Lake Linden. Ray’s death follows that of many of his close friends. Most recently Steve “Elvis” Westerberg and Noralee Britz, his neighbors at Maple Lane Apartments in Lake Linden, with whom he shared a lot of laughs.
He is survived by his brother Bill (Kathy) Jacques of Hancock, his daughter Rachel (Bill) Holloway and grandkids John and Ann of Madison WI, as well as his cousin and close friend Steve Stoel of Lake Linden, niece Kristy Keranen of Hancock, nephew Bill (Loretta) Jacques of Dollar Bay, niece Colleen (Matt) Kuska of Kiowa CO. He also leaves behind his ex-wife Sherry and her husband Ken Nordstrom of Mohawk, who were longtime friends and helped him in his final years.
Ever a loving father, a patriot, and a great guy to share a beer with, his light burned bright. It’s time to get the band back together–may the beat go on…
Condolences and memories may be sent to Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden. Family will host a celebration of life on Sunday October 18th at 1:00pm at the Lakes Lounge in Lake Linden.
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