Raymond L. Asher age 94, formerly of Elmwood, passed away on Wednesday June 17, 2020 at Deerfield Gables in New Richmond.

Ray was born September 15, 1925 at home in Red Cedar, Wisconsin.  He was the son of Arthur and Anna (Sabelko) Asher and grew up in that area.  Ray moved with his family in March of 1942 to the Farm Hill area, rural Elmwood.  Ray married Bernadine “Bing” Hartung, the love of his life, May 3, 1949 in Menomonie.  They purchased the family dairy farm from Ray’s parents near Elmwood in an area called Farm Hill.  Together they farmed for nearly 40 years and raised five children.

Farming was Ray’s life, he spent 73 years living and farming at Farm Hill, expanding the farm from 80 acres to 400 acres.  Ray also helped Bing garden and maintain the beauty of the farm. 

Ray received an accordion from his parents at an early age and began a lifelong love of music.  Ray played in band with his brothers, playing for wedding dances, family “get togethers” and at nursing homes in the area.  Ray cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Ray was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood and a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

Ray is survived by his five children, Patricia (Steve) Werner, Ken (Rita) Asher, Julie (Jerry) Cognetta, Cheryl (Steve) Spicer, Bob (Karina) Asher; 17 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; a brother, Leonard (Lorraine) Asher of Menomonie,  sister-in-law, Clara (Alva) Leech of Hudson; several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bing in 2019, and two brothers, Edward and John.

Due to Covid 19 the family will have a private burial service at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery-Farm Hill, rural Elmwood.  A Funeral Mass will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.rhielfuneralhome.com

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Elmwood is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Mona & Gary Thorson June 28, 2020, at 9:37pm

   Our sympathy to the Asher Family. Ray was such a sweet man. I know he will be missed. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

2. Barbara (Grant) Reid June 23, 2020, at 7:19am

   Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Ray and Bing were cornerstones of the Farm Hill community.

3. Zita Schultz June 22, 2020, at 7:21pm

   So sorry to hear of the passing of a dear neighbor from Farm Hill. I have been gone from the area for many years but cherish the memories of growing up in such a special place with so many caring people. May God bless all of you and know that your parents are now together again.

4. John & Jodell Marson June 22, 2020, at 1:18pm

   Our deepest sympathy to the Asher family

5. Jill (Baier) Bennwitz June 21, 2020, at 3:38pm

   Pat (Steve), Ken (Rita), Julie (Jerry), Cheryl (Steve), Bob (Karina) and entire Asher Family.....Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time of loss, of Ray, such a kind & caring man. Mom (Marlene Sabelko) and I enjoyed many special visits to see your Dad & Mom these past few years at Comforts of Home in Menomonie and at Deerfield Gables in New Richmond. We will truly miss those adventures! So fun to hear your parents share past stories and good memories of Farm Hill days that I’ll hold in my heart forever.❤️ A life well-lived, but Ray will truly be missed!
   Hugs and Sympathy to All! Jill & Tom Bennwitz and Marlene Sabelko

6. Pam Reitz June 20, 2020, at 9:46pm

   So sorry for your loss. He was such a great guy. I have wonderful memories of him. And your mom. The neighborhood hasnt been the same since they left.

7. Kelly Woodford June 20, 2020, at 9:29pm

   I remember Ray playing the accordion many times,very gifted. He lived a long full life and raised a beautiful family. Sympathy for the family. Kelly Woodford

8. Jayne & Jerry Holt June 20, 2020, at 7:14pm

   Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

9. Lynn Amundsen June 20, 2020, at 7:07pm

   Our hearts and minds are with you dear friends.
   -Lynn, Chris and Marge

10. John Baier June 20, 2020, at 7:11am

    Our deepest sympathy to the Asher family. Heaven gained another great guy. RIP Ray❤

    John Baier

11. Gary and Rosey June 19, 2020, at 7:36pm

    May God's love and the peace of Christ surround Ray and Bing's family. RIP Ray. With sincere sympathy.
    Gary and Rosey

12. kathi jensen June 19, 2020, at 1:30pm

    One of my favorite customers, RIP Ray

13. julie richardson June 19, 2020, at 10:20am

    Heaven gained a good one. Ray was one of the kindest gentle souls. Always a hug or kiss whenever we would meet. Great childhood memories with the Asher family. The Baiers and Ashers often went on vacation together. Ray will be missed. Condolences to the family. RIP Julie(Baier)Richardson

14. Diane Whitson June 19, 2020, at 9:30am

    Sending thoughts and prayers to the Asher family. Ray was a very sweet, kind man.
    Love, Cliff and Diane

15. Rose Brunner June 19, 2020, at 9:29am

    Another wonderful Farmhill native has gone to heaven. I have such fond memories and respect for the people that made an impact on my childhood. You are all very fortunate, as am I, to have had such a great upbringing. Thinking of your family and sending prayers your way.

16. Beth Hartung June 18, 2020, at 9:52pm

    Thinking of you all during this sad time. May the memories make your days and nights lighter. Uncle Ray will be missed as much as he was loved. Hugs.

17. Joe and Jan Drier June 18, 2020, at 9:50pm

    Sending our Sympathy to the Asher Family!

18. Suzi Crownhart June 18, 2020, at 8:45pm

    My sympathy to the Asher Family. Ray was such a pleasant man. May he rest peacefully with Bing now. ❤️

19. thomas biles June 18, 2020, at 7:58pm

    Sorry to here about Ray's passing. Had lots of fun times when the Bears & the Ashers got together Marcella

20. Jim Krause June 18, 2020, at 7:14pm

    Ray's Family has my condolences. He will be missed.

21. kathy & bob geraets June 18, 2020, at 5:00pm

    our sympathy to the Asher families

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