Raymond G. Onken (March 8, 1921 ~ February 7, 2010) Raymond George Onken was born in Nobles County, Minnesota, on March 8, 1921, to parents George and Grace (Enninga) Onken. He achieved an 8th grade education at Nobles County Country School. Ray worked many jobs and learned many trades at an early age. He worked at plumbing, electrical, automotive, construction, welding, farming, mechanic and crew management. He also was a factory machine operator on the West Coast and in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ray married Shirley R. Driscoll on October 11, 1945, at Vancouver, Washington. They were the parents of three children: Ronnie, Vicki and Cheri. He worked for three years in Minneapolis at factory and automotive repair. He started farming in Nobles County in 1950 and farmed until 1961. In 1961 he purchased a Hardware Store and Plumbing and Heating Business in Storden, Minnesota, and continued in this business until he retired in 1985. In 1987 he moved to his lake home in Ottertail, Minnesota, where he resided until 2006 when he sold it and moved to Clarkfield, Minnesota. In 1997 his wife, Shirley, of 52 years passed away due to a lengthy illness. In 2006 he married a lifelong friend, Helen Hargrave. During his retirement he collected and rebuilt antiques. He did woodworking for years, however, his favorite hobby was taking his wife, family and friends fishing. He was an avid Nascar fan and always enjoyed making new friends and working on his yard and flowers. Ray passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2010, at the Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital at the age of 88 years and 11 months. He is survived by his wife, Helen of Clarkfield; his children: Ron (Karen) Onken of Ottertail, Minnesota, Vicki (Dan) Lein of Gold Creek Canyon, Arizonz, Cheri (Jay) Tihinen of Redmond, Washington; and many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley, two brothers and two sisters. The family of Ray would like to extend a heartfelt and special thanks to the Hargrave and Petersen families for all their support and visits. In Loving Memory of Raymond G. Onken Visitation Saturday, February 13, 2010 * 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Clarkfield Care Center Funeral Service Saturday, February 13, 2010 * 11:00 a.m. Clarkfield Care Center Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiant, Pastor Steve Weston (Healing Waters Parish) Pianist, Karen Donner "Amazing Grace" "The Old Rugged Cross" "How Great Thou Art!" Casketbearers Casey Petersen ~ Terry Hargrave Lerry Hargrave ~ Eddie Gage Del Thompson ~ Bob Wasche Earl Lieske ~ Paul Buendiger Final Resting Place FaithCemetery, Avoca Murray County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota