Raymond “Ray” Schmeling

Obituary

Raymond "Ray" Arnold Schmeling was born on March 27, 1929, at his home in McLeod County, Minnesota. He was the son of Otto and Henrietta (Krueger) Schmeling. Ray was baptized as an infant on May 5, 1929, and was later confirmed as a youth on March 29, 1942, by Pastor W.G. Voigt at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Acoma Township, Minnesota. He received his education at Country School District 03 for six years and Immanuel Lutheran School for two years.

On March 10, 1950, Ray was united in marriage to Lois Riebe, by Pastor E.J. Kaiser at Brookfield Parsonage in Brookfield Township, Renville County, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with four children, Gaylin, Joleen, Julie, and Rodney. Ray and Lois resided and farmed in rural Hutchinson, Minnesota. They shared 65 years of marriage.

Ray and Lois worked as a hired couple for farmers for two years. They later rented a farm and started farming on their own. They bought the family farm in 1956, and lived there until August 2012. In 1969, Ray sold his livestock and became employed by 3M Company and worked there for 25 years. He retired from 3M Company in 1991, but he continued to farm the land until 2005. Ray was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Acoma Township, where he was an active member and held many positions. He firmly trusted in Jesus as his Savior for his salvation.

Ray enjoyed going to dances with Lois, traveling and playing cards. He also enjoyed farming, baling hay and fishing. He especially cherished spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

When Ray needed assistance with his daily care, he became a resident of Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota, on May 1, 2015. He passed away there on Sunday, January 31, 2016, at the age of 86 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Ray is survived by his:
Wife, Lois Schmeling of Hutchinson, MN,
Children, Gaylin Schmeling and his wife, Rebecca of Mankato, MN,
Joleen Runke and her husband, Bruce of Hutchinson, MN,
Julie Molitor and her husband, Richard of Holdingford, MN,
Rodney Schmeling and his wife, Kimberly of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Timothy Schmeling and his wife, Annette, Samuel Schmeling, Jennifer Cobian and her husband, Ryan, Christopher Runke and his wife, Stacey, Joseph Vostinar and his wife, Anya, Jessica Vostinar;
Step Grandchildren, Christina Erickson and her husband, Jared, Jason Molitor and his wife, Amber, Joseph Molitor and his wife, Kelsey;
Great Grandchildren, Sophia, Andreas, Caleb, Emma, Tenley, Oliver, Jacob, Jade, Adley;
Sister, Doris Schlueter of Hutchinson, MN;
Sister-In-Law, Evelyn Schmeling of Hutchinson, MN.
Many Nieces, Nephews other relatives and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his: parents, Otto and Henrietta Schmeling, 7 Brothers and 4 Sisters.