Obituary: Raymond Voigt “Mick” Deakin

Raymond Voigt “Mick” Deakin, passed away at home on February 17, 2025 at the age of 93. Ray was born on May 22, 1931 in Beaver Dam, WI to Viola (Voigt) and George Deakin.

Ray graduated from Reedsburg High School in 1949 and went to work for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. He hired on as Crew Cook, progressing to Signal Work Crew, Foreman, then Signal Maintenance where he fixed/maintained signal crossings in Wisconsin and surrounding states for more than 40 years before retiring.

He also joined the Army National Guard after high school and served for many years until devoting full time to the railroad.

Ray married (Marilyn) Jean Markham on December 21, 1952, raising 9 children together. From an early age and throughout his life he was an avid sportsman; hunting and fishing when opportunity and seasons allowed. He liked following the Badgers, Brewers, Packers and local high school sports.

Ray is survived by his wife Jean: children; Michael (Donna Haack), Terry Norman, Janie (Darrell) Mittlesteadt, Timothy (Debbie), Russell (Marcia Christensen), Patricia, Judy (Stephen Forrest), Jill (Kenneth) Horkan, and Lynn Overend. He is further survived by 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and his sisters, Yvonne (Roger) Payne and Marlene (Rick) Weil.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Steve Kunes, and step-sister Dorothy Merkel.

A funeral service for Ray Deakin was held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 12 noon, at Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg with Chaplain Daniel Farber officiating. Visitation was also at the funeral home on Monday, from 10:30 am until 11:45. Military rites followed the service at the funeral home. A private family burial was held in the Greenwood Cemetery, Reedsburg.

Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.