Raymond A. Gergen Jr.

Raymond A. Gergen Jr., age 83, of Hastings, MN, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at his residence in Hastings.

Ray Gergen Jr., the son of Raymond Sr. and Helen (Endres) Gergen was born April 21,1941 on the original family farm.

Following his 1959 graduation from Hastings High School, he joined the National Guard and then worked at 3M-Chemolite in Cottage Grove as a Manufacturing Operator on swing shifts for 39 years as well as a lifetime career as a farmer.

Ray met Elaine Bierman, and they were united in marriage in New Trier on November 5, 1977. Together they raised their 5 children and created many cherished memories. Ray also enjoyed traveling, playing board/card games, spending time with family, and he was involved in supporting his church community.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim; sister, Genevieve; as well as several in-laws.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elaine; children, Shari (Tony) Madline, Beth (John) Molitor, Stacy (Mike) Munson, Greg (Megan), and Lynne (Gary) Kiefer; 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; siblings; Mary Ellen Angell, Lorraine Suchy, Leon (Nancy) Gergen, Joann Bauer, Lois (Bob) Kieffer, and Betty (Pete) Carpenter; as well as many other dear family and friends.

Ray will be remembered most for his deep love of faith, family, and farming.

In lieu of flowers, Ray’s family requests memorials to be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Trier or the Parkinson Foundation in his memory.

A visitation for Raymond will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier, 8433 239th St E, Hampton, MN, with a visitation one hour prior to mass at the church.

Interment will follow the mass at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in New Trier.

Arrangements are being handled by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings.