Service Information
Raymond “Ray” Gruenwalt, age 77, of Gaylord passed away Sunday, August 4, 2019, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Funeral Service will be Friday, August 9, 2019, 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Auburn with interment in High Island Cemetery in New Auburn.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 8, 2019, from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Auburn and will continue one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Obituary
Raymond “Ray” Earl Gruenwalt was born on October 11, 1941, to Ollie and Mary (Kraemer) Gruenwalt at their home in New Auburn, Minnesota. Ray was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth by Pastor Wm. Mueller, both at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Auburn, where he was a life member. He received his education in New Auburn and Glencoe and was a graduate of the Glencoe High School Class of 1959.
As a young man, he enjoyed ice skating on High Island Lake with his friends. He also loved to go duck hunting.
On July 17, 1965, Ray was united in marriage to Joanne Mackenthun, the love of his life, at First Lutheran Church in Glencoe. They shared 54 years of marriage. Their son, Brian was born on October 28, 1972. Ray and Joanne rented for a few years in Glencoe and Gaylord, later moving to their farm near New Auburn. He enjoyed farming and being on the farm.
He cherished his church. He was a trustee and deacon for many years. He was especially proud of the works he did in planning and helping to build the new fellowship hall.
Ray worked for Sibley County Engineering Department for 40 years, where he worked his way up from being a rod man to assistant county engineer. He was dedicated to his job and enjoyed the people he worked with.
He would say to all of you “Love You.” His special song was “Why Me Lord.”
Ray passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2019, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 77 years. Blessed be his memory.
Ray is survived by his:
Wife, Joanne Gruenwalt of Gaylord, MN;
Son, Brian Gruenwalt of Gaylord, MN;
Sisters, Betty Mahnke of Glencoe, MN, Delores (Ervin) Sickmann of Glencoe, MN;
Sisters-In-Law, Merle Schlueter of Hutchinson, MN, Janet Mackenthun of Glencoe, MN;
Nieces, Andrea Mackenthun of Glencoe, MN, Alicia Mackenthun of Chaska, MN, and Jennifer Sickmann of Savage, MN;
Nephews, Paul (Trisha) Sickmann of New Prague, MN, Andrew Mackenthun of Glencoe, MN, Jason (Leah) Sickmann of Cloquet, MN, Steve (Debbie) Mahnke of Farmington, MN.
Ray was preceded in death by his Parents, Ollie and Mary Gruenwalt; Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law, William and Mabel Mackenthun; Brothers-In-Law, Wayne Mackenthun, Lloyd Schlueter; and Elroy Mahnke.
Don and Donna Wolter says
So sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing. God be with you at this time. Debbie said that she was so glad that she spoke with Raymond on Saturday.
Delores Koepp says
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Class of ’59
Joyce Bauer says
I haven’t seen Ray for quite some time but, remember him well as I also worked for Sibley County. He was always a gentleman. My sympathy to Ray’s family.
Dick Gehlen says
RIP Ray.many good times together wont be forgotten.,
Sharon Stenberg says
Love this picture and this man! So glad we got too see him Sunday he will be missed. Shane & Sharon Stenberg and Family.
Wanda & Jon Bryant says
So sorry to hear about Ray passing. Prayers and thoughts are with the family