Raymond Howard Voigt, age 88, of Taopi, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, Minnesota following a brief illness.

Raymond was born Jan. 8, 1928 to Laird and Irma (Dresbach) Guy in Clayton Township, Mower County, Minnesota. His mother experienced a stroke prior to his birth, and he went to live with the Otto and Gertrude (Priebe) Voigt family on their farm north of Taopi. He was raised on the Voigt farm with older brothers Leonard, Ralph, and Russell and sister, Emma. On Sept. 11, 1949, he was united in marriage to Evelyn (Ev) Bly at the First Baptist Church in Spring Valley, Minnesota. To this union six children were born: Norm, Larry, Ron, Cindy, Randy, and Char.

Ray and Ev farmed the family farm on the east side of Taopi and continued living there in retirement. Ray worked for Weyerhaeuser in Austin, Minnesota for 24 years. He was known to be a hard worker and always able to help his neighbor. He loved farming and John Deere tractors. He was an avid horseman and enjoyed gaming, especially with his favorite horse, Cheetah. He was a past member of the Mower County Posse and past member and president of the LeRoy Saddle Club.

He was a 4-H leader for the Taopi Rustler’s 4-H Club. In later years he enjoyed raising quarter horses, breaking them from colts, camping, and trail riding. He especially enjoyed family camping weekends at Forestville State Park.

He was very proud of all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and made sure everyone felt special and loved. He loved his wife of 66 years dearly. He was a member of the Taopi Covenant Church and served as congregation chairman for 24 years. He later was a member of the Bethany Bible Church in LeRoy, Minnesota.

Ray is survived by his wife, Ev of Taopi; children, Norm (Beth) Voigt of Nashwauk, Minnesota, Larry (Dianna) Voigt of Adams, Minnesota, Ron (Sherrie) Voigt of Austin, Minnesota, Cindy (Chuck) Landherr of Rochester, Minnesota, Randy (RoeAnn) Voigt of Taopi, Minnesota, and Char Osmundson of Rochester, Minnesota; 19 grandchildren, Jackie, Matt, Amanda, Brandon, Jesi, Maria, Stephanie, Lori, Kevin, Beau, Shauna, Ray, Kristin, Amy, Brady, Brian, Kallie, Jordan, and Tori; 33 grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Edith Guy of Grand Meadow, Minnesota and Marcelle Voigt of LeRoy, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Wayne, Edwin, and Lyman Guy, and Leonard, Ralph, and Russell Voigt, sister, Emma Olson, 1 grandson, and 1 great grandson.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Marys Hospital and Seasons Hospice for their kindness and compassion.

Funeral services for Ray will be held 1p.m. Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Bethany Bible Church in LeRoy with Pastor Mike Kroeker officiating. Burial will take place in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Taopi. Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2016 at the church and will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday. Hindt Funeral Home of Le Roy is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.