Val Ragozin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on June 8, 2026, in Mequon, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with cancer, which he fought until his last breath, as those who loved him knew he would. He was 69.
Val was born on June 24, 1956, in Minsk, to Ilya and Larisa Ragozin, both of blessed memory. From an early age, he carried the qualities that would define his life: intelligence, discipline, humor, resilience, creativity, and a rare generosity of spirit. As a boy, he attended a rigorous mathematical school and spent countless hours playing table tennis. Even then, the game revealed something essential about him. He was competitive and determined, but never small-hearted. He could win without arrogance, lose without bitterness, and meet others with warmth, wit, and good nature.
In 1985, Val married Svetlana Ragozin, his beloved wife and partner in life. In 1989, he immigrated to the United States, where he built a life through courage, hard work, and extraordinary perseverance. An entrepreneur by profession and a problem-solver by nature, Val approached challenges with a clear mind and an inventive spirit. He was the kind of person people could count on - not because he sought recognition, but because he showed up, quietly and dependably, again and again.
Val modeled hard work not as a slogan, but as a way of living. He put effort into everything he did: his family, his work, his friendships, and the many creative projects that reflected his care and imagination. He made countless books his family will cherish, painted works that hang in their homes, and created a heartfelt presentation for his son’s wedding. Those close to him knew his sharp mind, his humor, his contagious laugh, and his ability to bring warmth into a room without ever demanding attention for himself.
He remained passionate throughout his life about table tennis and tennis, finding joy in the rhythm, precision, and spirit of the game. But above all else, Val loved spending time with his grandson, Rafa. In Rafa, he found one of the great joys of his life. His love for him was tender, proud, and boundless - the love of a grandfather who delighted in every moment, every conversation, and every chance to be near him.
Val was a devoted husband to Svetlana; a loving father to Dmitry and Alla; a caring father-in-law to Madison; and an adoring grandfather to Rafa. He is also survived by his brother, Mike Ragozin, and by beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ilya and Larisa.
To know Val was to know someone who could be counted on. He was strong without being hard, brilliant without being boastful, and generous without making a performance of generosity. He met life’s difficulties with analysis, courage, humor, and grace. Even in illness, he fought with determination and dignity, doing his best not to burden those around him and remaining, to the end, the person he had always been.
His family and friends will remember his intelligence, his laughter, his humility, his strength, and the quiet but unmistakable way he made people feel cared for. Val’s life was a testament to love expressed through action: through showing up, working hard, solving problems, creating beauty, protecting family, and asking, in word or deed, “How can I help?”
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Schmidt & Bartelt, 10280 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, Wisconsin from 12:30 PM until the time of Service at 1:30 PM . Those wishing to honor Val’s memory may make a donation to the San Diego Jewish Academy, a place that brought him great joy through his grandson Rafa and reflected his deep love of family, community, and education.
