Obituary: Raymond Z. "Bud" Gelling

Raymond Z. “Bud” Gelling, age 84, of Hilbert, died on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at his home in Hilbert, surrounded by family and close friends.  He was born June 6, 1940 in Fond du Lac, son of the late Melvin John Gelling, Sr. and Hilaria (Bernard) Gelling.  

On February 20, 2006, he married Elizabeth Salvalion in Manila, Philippines.

From a young age, Ray was well known to be an ambitious individual.  While in high school and following, he worked several jobs and made many sacrifices in order to purchase his farm on the north side of Hilbert.  During much of his working life, he also worked at Badger Northland in Kaukauna until retiring from there in 1995.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert, the Knights of Columbus and the Chilton Eagle’s Club.

As a man who loved to socialize, Ray looked forward to games of Sheepshead with family and friends, never passed up an opportunity to have a good party or share moments with his beloved family.  In his free time, he enjoyed moments in the great outdoors hunting and fishing.  Above all, Ray was passionate about his farm and the animals he tended to.  It was through farming that Ray made many connections in the Hilbert area and each one of the families supported each other in their farming endeavors.

Survivors include his wife: Beth; his daughter: Rebecca (Douglas) Gregor; his grandchildren: Jonathan Gelling, Joseph Scholz, Samantha (Sam) VandenWyngaard, Codey Gregor and his girlfriend, Alma; his siblings: Clifford Gelling, twin sisters, Jean Geiger and Joan (John) Doering, Melvin (Sharon) Gelling, Jr., Elaine Abendroth; and very dear, lifelong friends: Daniel & Agnes Beil.  He is further survived by his siblings-in-law in the Philippines, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Paul Gelling; and a brother-in-law: John Geiger.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church (108 S. 6th St.) in Hilbert with Rev. Michael Betley officiating.  Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert from 9:30 am until 10:45 am.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available at wietingfuneralhome.com for those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the service, view a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.

Ray’s family would like to extend a special ‘Thank You’ to his nurse, Sabrina, for all of her loving care and patience that she provided to Ray and his entire family.