Raymond Taylor, 87, Randolph

Raymond was born Nov. 13, 1929, in Northfield, Minn., the son of Charles and Marie (Drentlaw) Taylor.  
He was raised near Randolph and graduated from high school. All the while growing up, Ray worked alongside his father on the family farm.  
He was united in marriage to Mary Bresnahan on Aug. 23, 1952 at Church of St. Dominic in Northfield. As the couple were just starting a family, Ray was called into service in 1955 and proudly served his country in the United States Army.  
The couple moved to Colorado Springs where he served. He was transferred back to Minnesota and he received his honorable discharge in January of 1957.   
Ray was a proud farmer through and through. He also drove truck, hauling grain and livestock.
Farming was Ray’s life, from beginning to end. Even though dementia affected his ability to farm, his love of farming and the rural life never wavered.
Later in his life, Ray began working for the Randolph School District as a bus driver. He enjoyed his job there and made many personal connections with the staff and students. He was a big fan of RHS sports and supporter of the local FFA. 
He loved children. He was a very proud father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was very involved in his grandchildren’s lives. He enjoyed and attended many of their activities. He always made his grandchildren feel loved and special.
Ray passed away, Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at Mercy Hospital-Unity Campus in Fridley with family at his side, at the age of 87.  
He is survived by his children Patti (Dick) Winchell of Mantorville, Thomas (Margo) Taylor of Tucson, Ariz., Kenneth (Kim) Taylor of Northfield, Peggy Taylor Dass of Rochester, Suelyn Taylor (Bob Sande) of Northfield, and David (Vicky) Taylor of Northfield.  
Ray is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, a sister Arlene (Delbert) Gustafson of Stanton and a brother Jerry (Mary) Taylor of Northfield. 
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary (2010), a sister, Linda Bierman, his parents, and a son-in-law, Mike Dass.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 8, 2017, at Church of St. Dominic. 
Burial was at Stanton Cemetery in Stanton, Minn.  
Arrangements by Bierman Funeral Home (biermanfuneralhome.com).