1925
Raymond
2013
Raymond Engstrand
August 2, 1925 — July 2, 2013
Raymond Arthur Engstrand was born August 2, 1925 to Albert and Anna Marie (Hedlund) Engstrand in Spruce Hill Township in Douglas County. He was raised on the family farm attending a one room school house a half mile from home. At a young age, Ray's father was blinded in an accident. Ray took on the responsibility of being his father's eyes. Leading him to and from town and doing a large amount of farm chores, Ray was forced to grow up fast. It was then he discovered his love for music. Ray was taught to play the violin by his father and from a young boy until the time of his death Ray shared his musical talent. After graduating from high school, Ray continued farming with his family. In the late 1940's, he was united in marriage to Rose Wolters at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River, MN. After selling the farm, they moved to Miltona, MN in 1953.
Ray found work at a local bank as a teller/cashier where he was employed until 1958. He later accepted an opening at a bank in Coleraine, MN and in 1964 Ray and Rose divorced. Ray moved to Minneapolis and worked several jobs before accepting a position with ABC Driving School in Minneapolis. He met Lois Thorson in 1968 while Lois was taking driving lessons and on November 2, 1968 they were united in marriage. Ray and Lois resided in St. Paul and in 1971 bought the ABC Driving School in Duluth, MN. While Lois kept track of the books, Ray and his son Dale trained numerous individuals in properly operating trucks, cars and motorcycles. In 1987, they sold their business, retiring to Detroit Lakes in 1989. After a few years of retirement, Ray went back to work for Bremer Bank working another 10 years before fully retiring. On May 21, 2009, Lois passed away. Ray enjoyed time with his family and the many friends made over the years. Ray had a true gift for conversation. With his love for music, Ray shared his talent over the years playing violin at surrounding area events, including Ulen Turkey Days, Rose City Threshing Festival, weddings, funerals and family gatherings. He was also a very talented woodworker. His quick wit, funny sense of humor will be missed by everyone. As Ray would always say, "There are better days ahead". Ray is survived by his children: Duane (Rhoda) Engstrand of Alma, WI, Dale (Robin) Engstrand of Grand Rapids, MN, Beverly (Mark) Hathaway of Paris, TX, Janet (Bern) Cone of Grand Rapids, MN and Carol (Rocky) Cole of Grand Rapids, MN. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and special friends: Kitty and Jim Ueke of Detroit Lakes.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois (2009) and brothers: Clifton, Lloyd, Lawrence, and Glen.
Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501
Friday, July 5, 2013
Service
Friday, July 5, 2013
Ray found work at a local bank as a teller/cashier where he was employed until 1958. He later accepted an opening at a bank in Coleraine, MN and in 1964 Ray and Rose divorced. Ray moved to Minneapolis and worked several jobs before accepting a position with ABC Driving School in Minneapolis. He met Lois Thorson in 1968 while Lois was taking driving lessons and on November 2, 1968 they were united in marriage. Ray and Lois resided in St. Paul and in 1971 bought the ABC Driving School in Duluth, MN. While Lois kept track of the books, Ray and his son Dale trained numerous individuals in properly operating trucks, cars and motorcycles. In 1987, they sold their business, retiring to Detroit Lakes in 1989. After a few years of retirement, Ray went back to work for Bremer Bank working another 10 years before fully retiring. On May 21, 2009, Lois passed away. Ray enjoyed time with his family and the many friends made over the years. Ray had a true gift for conversation. With his love for music, Ray shared his talent over the years playing violin at surrounding area events, including Ulen Turkey Days, Rose City Threshing Festival, weddings, funerals and family gatherings. He was also a very talented woodworker. His quick wit, funny sense of humor will be missed by everyone. As Ray would always say, "There are better days ahead". Ray is survived by his children: Duane (Rhoda) Engstrand of Alma, WI, Dale (Robin) Engstrand of Grand Rapids, MN, Beverly (Mark) Hathaway of Paris, TX, Janet (Bern) Cone of Grand Rapids, MN and Carol (Rocky) Cole of Grand Rapids, MN. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and special friends: Kitty and Jim Ueke of Detroit Lakes.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois (2009) and brothers: Clifton, Lloyd, Lawrence, and Glen.
Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501
Previous Events
VisitationFriday, July 5, 2013
10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
Aspelund Lutheran Church
1043 County Highway 38
Flom, MN 56541
Friday, July 5, 2013
11:00 AM
Aspelund Lutheran Church
1043 County Highway 38
Flom, MN 56541
Cemetery Details
Location
Aspelund Lutheran Church Cemetery
1043 County Highway 38
Flom, MN 56541
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