Raymond J. E. Gummer

life story

Raymond J.E. Gummer was born May 20, 1952, to Robert and Kazia Gummer in Mayville, North Dakota. He died on May 22, 2022, following heart surgery. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Ray attended Mayville Public School graduating in 1970. He continued his education at North Dakota State University before transferring to Iowa State University graduating with degrees in English and Journalism/Mass Communications. Ray served as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps until 1978. He spent the remainder of his career providing marketing services to companies in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Ray married Shirley Erickson on August 27, 1972. They were blessed with two daughters, Sarah and Riana. Ray was a devoted husband and an amazing dad for his daughters. He loved being a grandpa to his seven grandchildren. He found joy in spending time with them, attending their many activities, talking things over, and guiding them in their faith. His "Grandpa Nights" became a tradition in the family.

Words were always important to Ray, the oaths we take, the promises we make. He was an avid reader and spent much time studying scripture and theology. He was also able to tutor foreign exchange students without having to reread the classic novels he had studied in high school and college. Ray enjoyed woodworking and always had the next project in mind. He especially liked helping his grandchildren and other boys and girls in Awana and Cub Scouts to bring their Grand Prix car ideas to reality. As a volunteer in the Good News Club, he was part of an after-school program that is designed to bring the gospel of Christ to children on their level and in their environment. One of the things he had been so looking forward to was playing more golf, especially with his grandsons.

Ray is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters, Sarah (Boris) Morari & Riana Jens; grandchildren, Emmanuil, Tyler, Conner, Evyn, Ruthann, Edward & Daniel; siblings, Ken (Nancy) Gummer, Roberta (Kevin) Basol, Kurt (Jen) Gummer, Kathleen Foss, and Randy (Jim) Swingen; sisters-in-law and brother in-law, Marilyn Gilbert, Ilo (Gary) Diehl, and Lois Erickson; as well as an uncle, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Kazia Gummer; grandparents, Ludwik & Maria Schwarz and John & Anna Gummer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Duane & Helen Erickson; and brother-in-law John Gilbert.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held June 18, 2022, at 1:30 PM at Edinbrook Church, 4300 Edinbrook Parkway, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Burial will be held at a later date at Aeneas Cemetery in rural Kensington, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Good News Club (cefmn.org), the Aeneas Cemetery or a charity of your choice.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

June 18, 2022

Edinbrook Church 4300 Edinbrook Pkwy, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443, USA

Burial will be held at a later date at Aeneas Cemetery in rural Kensington, Minnesota.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services