Ray O. Holten
Ray O. Holten age 91 of Menomonie, died Saturday May 9, 2015 at his home in Menomonie.
Ray was born January 5, 1924 on the home farm near Prairie Farm. He was the 2nd son of Otto and Ragna (Peterson) Holten. As a young man he drove truck on a rural milk route. Ray married Elizabeth “Bette” Klatt September 10, 1949 in Glenwood City. Ray then drove truck for Sanna Dairies and worked in the plant. Ray was a hard worker all of his life. He spent more than 30 years on the “shed” crew for the City of Menomonie, Street Dept. He plowed snow, patched streets and hauled rock countless miles. Ray was a storyteller with a sharp mind. He read daily and weekly newspapers cover to cover. He enjoyed traveling and visited the lower 48 states. A friendly sociable man, he loved to chat with family, neighbors and strangers alike.
Ray was ahead of his time as a recycler. Ray built his own house, fixed his cars and helped his kids. Ray will be greatly missed by is family. Ray was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie for 66 years.
Ray is survived by his wife, Bette, three daughters, Sandra (Ben) Athneil of Eagan, MN, Sheila Rivera, of Indianapolis, IN, Shirley Klitzke of Maplewood, MN; a son Stephen (Lisa) of Nokomis, FL; three granddaughters, Bethany Klitzke of Atlanta, GA, Joanna Klitzke of St. Paul, MN and Gabrielle (Lyndon) Jones of Indianapolis, IN; grandsons Caleb Klitzke of Maplewood, MN and Trevor Rivera of Indianapolis, IN. Ray is also survived by a sister Millie Moberly of Blaine, MN; two brothers, Lloyd of Menomonie, and Don of Prairie Farm, several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Susan and a son Scott, three sisiters, Laura Moen, Adeline Waite, Elvera Waite, three brothers, Glenn, Orville and Robert.
Funeral services will be 11:30 AM Friday May 15, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. Joseph Hennen officiating. Burial will be in the church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.