Raymond “Ray” Gruenwalt

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.