Ray Marks

Raphael "Ray" Marks, age 94, of Milroy, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011 at the Prairie View Health Care Center in Tracy. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2011 from St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday December 18, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 4:30 p.m. and parish prayer service at 7:00 p.m. from St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday December 19, 2011 from St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Arrangements are being handled by Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association of Echo and Wabasso.

Raphael "Ray" Arthur Marks was born on October 26, 1917 on a farm near Milroy in Westline Township, Redwood County Minnesota to Arthur and Hubertina "Tina" (Lennard) Marks. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, serving as an altar server. He attended country school District #43 and Milroy High School. Ray played football and graduated as Salutatorian of his class. He farmed on the  home place with his brother Donald for 2 years and then on his own.

He married Evelyn Julia Zajic of Lucan on June 11, 1945. He and Evelyn created 8 sons and 2 daughters. He enjoyed family gatherings, spending time with the grandchildren, writing poems, reading history, photography, and watching baseball and football.

Ray passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at the Prairie View Health Care Center in Tracy attaining the age of 94 years, 1 month and 19 days. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, children; Roger (Delores) of Brainerd, David of Marshall, Thomas of Milroy, Steven (Kathy) of Northfield, Leonard of New Ulm, Jerald (Bonnie) of Balaton, James of Tracy, Kenneth (Lynette) of Detroit Lakes, Mary (Robert) of Fairbanks, AK and Catherine (Nathan) of Osseo, 29 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters:Mary Rolland and Margaret Frost, 5 brothers: Reverend William, Donald, Jake, John, and Aloise. Blessed be his memory.