Raymond Hegseth

Raymond Hegseth, 96, of Wanamingo, died Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Goodhue Senior Living in Goodhue.

He was born October 26, 1929 in Wanamingo to John and Nora (Engebertson) Hegseth. He attended rural schools and graduated from Wanamingo High School in 1947. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1950 to 1954 when he was honorably discharged.

He married Colleen Myran at Lands Lutheran Church in Zumbrota on September 20, 1952 and for a short time they made their home in Texas while Ray was in the military. They then returned to Wanamingo where they raised 6 children.

Ray worked for Farmers Co-Op, which became Cenex and then later Ag Partners for 44 years. Most of that time he was a truck driver. He also drove the bus for Quamingo Roller Rink. He would drive around to the local communities and pick people up and take them to the roller rink. He also drove the bus to the Minnesota State Fair, Twin's Games and even to New York and South Dakota. He also delivered the Sunday Paper, often with the help of his children.

Ray dedicated 38 years to the Wanamingo fire department, serving for a number of those years as the fire chief. He was a life-long member of Wanamingo Lutheran Church where he rang the church bell for 50 years. He also took care of the church lawn and church cemetery for as long as he was physically able.

While soft spoken, Ray was always willing to help. He was a dedicated blood donor for many years. He was meticulous with his yard work and his record keeping. Ray could probably tell you who won a dice game 20 years ago. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards, and in his 60's, he decided to take up golf.

Ray was the happiest when he had a hot cup of coffee in his hands.

He is survived by his five children, Stuart Hegseth of Wanamingo, Mary Hegseth of Zumbrota, Jane (Jerry) Wahlin of Cold Spring, Minn., Dean Hegseth of Zumbrota, and Dan (Lisa) Hegseth of Ramsey, Minn.; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; as well as other family and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Colleen; and a daughter, Karen Fredrickson; four siblings, Adele Johnson, Joel Hegseth, Alton Hegseth, and Dorothy Meyer.

A memorial service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Wanamingo Lutheran Church with visitation from 11-1p.m. at the church. Burial with military honors will be at the church cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Wanamingo Lutheran Cemetery fund. Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com