He left this earth May 1, 2021 with his two granddaughters holding his hands.
As a young lad, Ray learned the fundamentals of hunting, fishing, trapping, and also the special art of brook trout fishing. The wooded area near home allowed the many kids the freedom to discover and enjoy nature. From an early age, Ray had an aptitude for making things; excelling in everything from woodworking to electrical and enjoyed building radios for elderly people who could not afford one.
Ray joined the United States Army serving from 1943-46. He saw action in World War II in the European theatre with the 84th Infantry Division âRailsplittersâ with Company A 333rd Battalion. He endured the Battle of The Bulge. Ray owes Minnesota winters for his ability to cope with the frigid conditions that caused many soldiers to suffer severe frostbite. The 333rd continued to fight all the way to the Elbe River forcing Germany to surrender. Ray earned admiration for protecting the men in his squad, a