Raymond G. Ray Bortz

FUNERAL SERVICES: 10:30 A.M., Friday, July 25, 2008 at the Riverside United Methodist Church VISITATION: one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday RAYMOND G. BORTZMarch 10, 1930 " July 19, 2008 Raymond G. Bortz, age 78, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of South St. Paul , MN passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at his home near Big Man Trap Lake northeast of Park Rapids. Ray was born on March 10, 1930 to Gustave and Evelyn (Krech) Bortz in St. Paul , MN . It was in South St. Paul , MN that Ray attended public school, participating in all sports and graduated with the class of 1948. As a young man, Ray enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country from September of 1948 to September of 1951. Following his honorable discharge, Ray returned to South St. Paul where he began working for the Swift Meat Packing Company in a career that spanned 19 years until the closing of the plant in 1969. In May of 1951, Ray was married to Muriel Rogers. They were blessed with three daughters: Linda, Gayle and Pamela. From 1970 to 1976, Ray worked for the F.O.K. Warehouse in South St. Paul . In 1976, Ray and his family ventured to the Park Rapids area where Ray gained employment working for the Wonewok Conference Center on Big Mantrap Lake . For thirteen years Ray worked at Wonewok as a recreation guide; taking guests fishing, golfing and on other recreational outings. On November 9, 1991 , Ray was united in marriage to Astrid J. Trout at the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset , MN . Ray and Astrid have enjoyed 17 wonderful years together at their home on the north side of Big Mantrap Lake . Ray was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, golf and play with his grandchildren. He took special pride in caring for his home and lawn and enjoyed keeping them both immaculate. Ray enjoyed watching the wildlife that graced their property. He would spend his winters feeding the deer and his summers chasing them out of his garden. Above all, Ray devoted his life to his wife, children and grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Astrid; his three daughters: Linda (Mike) McMorrow of Park Rapids, Gayle (Dave) Brodt of Pequot Lakes, MN and Pamela Albee of Park Rapids; seven grandchildren: Erin, Abbie, Kevin, Frank, Chris, Pat and McKenzie; two great-grandchildren: Sabin and Cullen; three step-children: Liz McDermott and Deborah Palumbo both of Hudson, WI and Owen Trout of Brainerd, MN; two step-grandchildren: Kellie and Jacob; two sisters: Fladella "Mikky" McCullough of Bemidji and Lucille Bendickson of St. Paul as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held 10:30 A.M., Friday, July 25, 2008 at the Riverside United Methodist Church with Reverend Bob Light officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.