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1930 Raymond 2019

Raymond Omodt

July 17, 1930 — September 12, 2019

Raymond Melvin Omodt passed away peacefully in his home in Rochester, Minnesota on September 12, 2019 after a long battle with kidney disease. He went to heaven surrounded by his family.
Ray was born in Spring Grove, Minnesota to Melvin and Regina Omodt. He grew up on the family dairy farm where they had milk cows, large draft horses, and raised pigs and chickens. He attended high school in Spring Grove, and eventually moved to Rochester after marrying his wife, Esther, in 1952. Ray met Esther at a roller skating rink when he inadvertently ran into her and her two friends knocking them all down. He helped Esther to the first aid station for her skinned knee, and then asked her to go out with him. They got married on August 22, 1952 while Ray was on furlough from the army. Together they enjoyed trout fishing, movies, and dances while they were young, and later on square dancing and going out with friends and relatives for dinner.
Ray was drafted into the army in 1952. He trained in Oklahoma, and served during the Korean War for 14 months. While in Korea, he was with the 936 field artillery, Charlie battery. Part of his job was directing the live fire as a forward observer with the infantry. He also helped run the communication line where he was promoted to Sargent and was placed in charge of 20 men.
Ray carried mail for several years in St. Paul and Rochester before he was promoted to postmaster of Hayfield, Minnesota. He was well liked and respected by the people of Hayfield for his friendliness and willingness to go out of his way for people. He retired as postmaster after 19 years of service. After retirement, he spent most of his days helping his son, David with his Residential Repair business.
Some of Ray's favorite memories came from spending a week each summer up north at Boberg's Resort or Breezy Point, usually with the Runnigen or Schroeder families. Ray would spend hours with his children teaching them how to fish, and using the boat for swimming and water skiing. Ray carried on this tradition with his grandchildren while at the family cabin. He spent a lot of time on the dock teaching them how to bait a hook, cast a line, and take the fish off once caught.
Ray loved his family most of all. His beloved wife of 66 years, Esther, was the love of his life. He often talked about her as being the "most wonderful person in the world". He loved his children, Jean and David, so much and spent many hours worrying about their safety at home or school or work. He was always there fixing things, and making sure the cars were running well. All the love that he gave his children, he continued with his grandchildren. He liked attending his grandchildren's concerts, athletic events, and school activities. Ray especially liked to cook and would often make food and bring it to his children and grandchildren. Even though Ray missed Esther so much, he still told everyone he wanted to stay alive for his children and grandchildren. He kept fighting until the end.
Ray is preceded in death by his wife, Esther; his parents, Melvin and Regina Omodt; his sisters, Vivian Brevig, Doris Bakke, and Ardys Ingvalson; and his brother, Alden Omodt. Ray is survived by his two children, Jean Omodt and David Omodt; three grandchildren, Raelynn Omodt, Hannah Omodt and Nathan Omodt; his sister Ione Johnson; brother Norman Omodt; sister-in-law Mildred Schroeder plus several nieces and nephews. His family loves him very much and will miss him always.
Ray's funeral will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at Zumbro Lutheran Church with Rev. Shelley Cunningham officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and friends will go to Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester after the service, and then back to Zumbro Lutheran Church for lunch. Hayfield American Legion Post #330 will provide Military Honors at graveside. Mahn Family Funeral Home - Rochester Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Friends may share a memory at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Visitation

SEP 20. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)

Zumbro Lutheran Church


Funeral Service

SEP 20. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT)

Zumbro Lutheran Church


Graveside Service

SEP 20. 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM (CDT)

Oakwood Cemetery - Rochester
38 7th Avenue NE
Rochester, MN, 55906
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