Raymond “Ray” J. Wurscher

Obituary

Raymond “Ray” John Wurscher was born on January 20, 1937, in Johnsonville Township, Redwood County, Minnesota. He was the son of Frank and Margaret (Hagert) Wurscher. Ray was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Lucan, Minnesota. He received his education in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Walnut Grove High School Class of 1955.

On November 1, 1958, Ray was united in marriage to Joyce Holbrook at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two children, Steven and Laurie. They resided in Redwood Falls, Minnesota for 10 years, and later moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota. Ray and Joyce shared 54 years of marriage prior to the passing of Joyce on August 13, 2013.

Ray was employed with the United States Department of Agriculture in Redwood Falls for 10 years. After moving to Hutchinson, he worked for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) for 3 years before becoming a delivery driver for Hutchinson Cleaners for the next 20 years. Ray then worked ground maintenance at Hutchinson Health until he retired in 2001. After retirement, he worked part-time for McLeod County Parks. Ray was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. He was also a member of Hutchinson Tree Board and Hutchinson Town Team Baseball Board.

Ray enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and going to casinos. He especially enjoyed attending Hutchinson Tigers sporting events and traveling – he had visited 48 of the 50 states. Ray cherished spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Ray passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Hutchinson Health in Hutchinson, at the age of 88 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Ray is survived by his:
Son, Steven Wurscher and his wife, Vickie of Hutchinson, MN;
Daughter, Laurie Bigaouette and her husband, Peter of Chaska, MN;
Grandchildren, Bridget Kaczmarek and her husband, Jesse of New York, NY,
Joel Wurscher and his wife, Shelby of St. Peter, MN,
Paul Bigaouette and his wife, Emily of Belle Plaine, MN,
Patrick Bigaouette and his husband, Dale O’Dell of Mankato, MN,
Eric Bigaouette of Waconia, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Gianna Wurscher, Chandler, Connolly, and Everly Bigaouette, Wylie Bigaouette;
Sisters-in-law, Joan Wursher of Plymouth, MN,

Nancy Bottelberghe and her husband, Louis of Waco, TX,
Mary Zimmermann and her husband, James of Minneota, MN,
Judy Surprenant and her husband, Jerry of Danbury, WI,
Rebecca Hight and her husband, Greg of Baxter, MN;
Brother-in-law, Jack Holbrook and his wife, Candace of Camp Verde, TX;
Many Nieces, Nephews and other relatives and friends.

Ray is preceded in death by his Parents, Frank and Margaret Wurscher; Wife, Joyce Wurscher; Brother, Kenneth Wurscher; Parents-in-law, Harlow and Mildred Holbrook; Sisters-in-law, Janice Holbrook, Marilys Vahlsing, Margo Carey; Brothers-in-law, Vernon Holbrook, LeVern Vahlsing, David Carey.