Raymond Ray Spencer, 67, died Monday, September 23, 2002 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. on Friday, September 27, 2002 at Zion Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 26, 2002 at the Johnson-Green Funeral Home in Thief River Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. prayer service on Thursday evening and at the church for one hour prior to services on Friday.

Raymond Ray Howard Spencer was born on July 14, 1935 in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, the son of Howard and Lena (Loiland) Spencer. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith at Winthrop Harbor, IL. He grew up and attended schools in Winthrop Harbor, graduating from Zion High School in 1953. Raymond entered the United States Air Force on March 7, 1955 and served until his Honorable Discharge on December 6, 1958.

Raymond was united in marriage to Deloris Fjerstad on March 11, 1961 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, rural Gonvick. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls, where Raymond worked for Falls Supply and at Land O Lakes from 1962 to 1997 where he was a semi driver until his retirement in 1997.

Raymond loved spending time with his family, especially his three grandson. He enjoyed cooking and watching the Vikings and Twins. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion in Thief River Falls and the Elks Club, where he was a past Exalted Ruler.

Survivors include two daughters: Dayna (Dean) Bruggeman and Jenny (fiancee Darren Brein) all of Thief River Falls, MN; one son, Jeff (Rhonda) Spencer of Grand Forks, ND; three grandsons: Brady and Dylan Spencer and Brandon Bruggeman; one sister, Carolyn (Arnold) Person of Oklee, MN and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Deloris Spence on November 1, 2000; his parents; and one niece, LeAnn Palmer.