Raymond John Kaczmarek
Ray was born on August 20, 1927 in Silver Lake, Minnesota to John and Emily Kaczmarek. He was a little brother to five older sisters. In 1946 he joined the Army and served in St. Johns, Newfoundland in the military police. After returning Ray met Barbara Smith while driving school bus for Ralph Holt. Barb and Ray celebrated their 61st anniversary on June 13, 2012. They raised five children; Jayne, Deb, Jeff, Cindy and John. Ray was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and great granddaughter and their accomplishments.
Ray purchased Cokato Implement in 1961. He spent 30 years in the implement business selling John Deere products and service. He will be remembered for his passion for farming, land preservation and treating his staff and customers with respect and honesty.
Ray was an avid outdoorsman and exposed his children and grandchildren to hunting and fishing. He loved his lake home on Ten Mile Lake in Hackensack. A good day for Ray was coffee, watching the birds, fishing and watching the sunset while telling stories about his travels and friends.
He also was involved in the community serving as a councilman, a member of the Cokato Volunteer Fire Department, a member of Cokato Charitable Trust, Board of Director at the State Bank of Cokato, Color Guard for the American Legion and on the Finance Committee at St. Mary’s Church in Waverly.
Preceeded in death by his parents, daughter Jayne Keeville and his five sisters. Survived by sons; Jeffrey (Suzanne, Kyle (Jen) and Amy), John (Jodi, Mitchell and Dustin), daughters; Debra (Mark Pehrson, Christopher (Katie) and EmilyAnne (Tony Ebner)), Cindy Kaczmarek, son-in-law Jerry Keeville (Jeremy (Renee and great-grand daughter Tenley)), step grandchildren; Ross, Kera and Katy, and a special foreign exchange student Angela Bosso (Cesar, Julia and Matheus).
Funeral service: Wed., 1/16, 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. Visitation: Tue., 1/15, 4-8 pm, with 7pm prayer, at Swanson Peterson Funeral Home in Cokato and 1 hr. prior to services at church.