Raymond J. Rauenhorst, 82

Easton – Raymond J. Rauenhorst, age 82, of Easton passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side, Friday, April 19, 2024. Visitation took place on Tuesday, April 23 at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells and the Mass of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Easton, at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 24, Father Pratap Reddy Salibindla officiated the Mass. Burial and Military Honors were held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery.

Ray was born Jan. 6, 1942, on the family farm south of Easton. He was the youngest child of Joseph and Magdalen (Dulas) Rauenhorst. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Easton, graduated from Delavan High School in 1960, and attended the University of St. Thomas, graduating in 1964. He first met Sharon K. Waechter, of Blue Earth, while hauling sweet corn at the Green Giant canning factory. She was hired as the factory registered nurse for the summer. They were married in Blue Earth on August 15, 1964.

Ray entered the Marine Corps in August of 1964 and received his Wings of Gold and was commissioned a 2nd LT at NAS Chase Field, Beeville, Texas in June of 1966. Ray flew 317 combat missions in Vietnam in 1968, where he earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Single Mission Air Medals, and was awarded the Purple Heart.

In 1970, the couple returned to Easton, settled onto the family farm, and began farming.

Ray joined the South Dakota Air National Guard in February of 1973 and served with them for 22 years, retiring in October of 1994 at the rank of Colonel. He was the fighter squadron Commander for over four years and led many squadron deployments to CONUS and overseas locations.

While farming, he flew as an ag pilot for Blue Earth Flying Service for 17 years. He was also a member and a chairman of the Delavan School Board for over 12 years. He was the only Minnesota representative of the 22-member Jim Kinsella Ag Innovator Program at Lexington, Illinois. It was here that he learned of the benefits of conservation tilling and started no-tilling and strip tilling his farm in 1992. He was very conscious of the environment and loved his trees – especially conifers – he planted thousands of them!

Throughout his life and in retirement, Ray took active church and community leadership rolls. Whether it was coaching his kids in sports, or, serving as a Third Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, or holding a position in the Easton American Legion Post #569, Ray found service to be a joy and an honor.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon (Waechter); their seven children, Col. Michael (Heather), of Harbor Springs, Michigan, Col. Robert (Annette), of Meridian, Mississippi, Maj. Joel (Tara), of Easton, Dr. Mary (SgtMaj. Scott) Bakken, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sgt. USMCR/Lt MSP Douglas (Dr. Tina), of Northfield, LCDR David (Amanda), of Nerstrand, and LtCol. Paul (Tracy), of Eagle River, Arkansas; sisters; Lorraine Hassing, of Blue Earth, Millie Miller, of Austin, Evie Thielen, of Ames, Iowa, 29 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, LTJG Leo Rauenhorst; parents, Joseph and Magdalen Rauenhorst; three brothers-in-law; Dick Miller, Tom Thielen, and Harold Hassing.