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1931
2017
Age 85,
Of Woodbury
Died suddenly of natural causes in the company of his beloved wife, Marilyn, on Monday, May 8, 2017.
In his early life, Ray aspired to be either a state trooper or a truck driver. Poor eyesight and a bad back eliminated those careers, but were merged into a late life vocation as a driver for MTC. He took great pride in his exemplary work record as well as consistently high scores in the annual Bus Rodeo. One of his regular riders was Nina.
He served honorably in the Army. He worked at Armour & Co. for many years before the South St. Paul plant closed. One of his greatest callings was to help family members in all ways: home and car repairs, lawn care, hair cutting, dog sitting and childcare. Most recently, he devoted his time to caring for his wife, Marilyn. They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
He will be remembered fondly for his irreverent sense of humor, his humility, and his dedication to his family. We will miss him terribly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Darrell and Edward; sister, Darlene; and son-in-law, Michael Anderson. Ray will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marilyn; daughters, Lynn (Steve) Moe and Lori (Greg) Hollenkamp; grandchildren, Jaclyn, Brett (Emily), and Carolyn Anderson, Lucas (Cora Walsh) and Ross Hollenkamp, Bethany (Brad) Lewis, and Nora (Geoffrey) Fox; great-grandson, Greydon Kane Fox; sister, Rosalie Kegler; other family and friends.
Visitation Sunday, May 14 from 3-6 PM at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Dr., Woodbury. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 16 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 6133 15th St. N, Oakdale. Interment at Union Cemetery, Maplewood.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Joseph's Coat, St. Paul, MN. or your local animal shelter.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home.
5 Entries
May 15, 2017
Friend
Miles Nielsen
I will miss talking to Ray, he always was a great person and had great sense of humor. We will miss him here at White Bear Lincoln.
May 14, 2017
Bridgid Milosevich
I will miss my weekly chats with Ray. He kept his sense of humor right up until the end, but what I will remember forever is his devotion to his wife, Marilyn. It was a lovely thing to see.
May 12, 2017
Nora Fox
We love you, Grandpa! I hope you are horsing around with all of your family up there :)
May 10, 2017
Ray was such a wonderful uncle and God-father!
When Darrell died--he helped Elaine and Kristin and Douglas on a daily basis with chores, fixing cars, windows-- any thing that We did not know how to do right after the sudden death of Darrell---- both brothers taken by heart attacks.
I know that Ray, Darrell, Edward, Sal, Nina and Gabriel are reuniting and having one great party in heaven
After all --- I still remember the huge birthday parties with all the Wagner clan as I was growing up
Love and Miss you Uncle Ray
Kristin Wagner Witt
May 10, 2017
Sue Swanson
What a wonderful example of a husband who loved his wife, Marilyn and was dedicated to her until the end. Well done good and faithful servant.
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