Krishna “Kris” Raj, also known to many as “Mr. Joe,” passed away peacefully at his home in Tualatin, Oregon, on April 16, 2026, at the age of 75.

Born on March 3, 1951, in Suva, Fiji, Kris was the fourth child of Nand Raj and Gangamma Raj, both of whom preceded him in death. He immigrated to the United States in 1971 as a newlywed to his beloved wife, Rattan, beginning a life defined by hard work, determination, and commitment to family.

After a brief time in California, Kris and Rattan settled in Seattle, where they started their family. In 1983, they moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where they lived for over 40 years. In 2025, they relocated to Tualatin, Oregon, to be closer to their daughter and her family.

Kris began working at just 14 years old as a retail salesman. After arriving in the United States, he took on many jobs, including welding propellers for commercial ships in Seattle. A lifelong entrepreneur, he built and ran several small businesses—from hauling and landscaping in Seattle, to owning and operating a hotel in Westport, Washington, to a stint as a neighborhood ice cream man, and ultimately to his long career as a house painting contractor, which he operated for more than 30 years.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Rattan Raj; his daughter, Areena McLaughlin and son-in-law Nathaniel McLaughlin of Tualatin, Oregon; and his son, Anand Raj and daughter-in-law Kimberly Raj of Topeka, Kansas. He was a grandfather to twelve grandchildren: Elijah (19), Justus (18), Judson (18), Zoe (18), Shanthi (15), Isaiah (15), Josiah (15), Calvin (14), Eden (11), Shiloh (10), Jayni (2), and Makayla (2).

He is also survived by his siblings Kunti Devi, Narayan Raju, Govind Raju, Nirmala Devi, Kamla Devi, and Shiu Raj. He was preceded in death by his siblings Hari Chand, Urmila Devi, and Deo Raj.

Kris was known for his generous heart, strong will, and love of being around others. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, always ready for a gathering and a good time. He enjoyed salmon and crab fishing, road trips, and spending time at the casino—especially at the blackjack table.

Above all, Kris valued family and community. He supported many friends and family members with finances, housing, and employment during difficult times, including helping several family members with their immigration processes. He was always willing to help others, often without expecting anything in return. Even in his final days, when praised for his life and accomplishments, he humbly said that he simply had opportunities that others did not.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Wilsonville Funeral Home & Cremation Viewing at 11:30 a.m. will be followed by a closed-casket Christian funeral service at 12:15 p.m. A lunch reception will follow at Langdon’s Grill/Langdon Farms Golf Club.