Raymond M. Hurd

RAYMOND MORRIS HURD was born on October 2, 1927 to Walter and Mamie (Johannsen) Hurd in Hendricks, Minnesota. He was baptized and later confirmed at United Methodist Church in Lake Benton, Minnesota. He attended school in Lake Benton and graduated in 1945. After high school, Ray served in the United State Army from 1946-1947. After his discharge, he attended the Airline Training Center in Kansas City, Kansas. He returned to the area where he worked at the John Morrell Packing Plant, then the Lake Benton Lumber Yard, and finally the Lake Benton Farmers Elevator. On October 11, 1953, Ray was united in marriage to Helen Bille at the Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler, Minnesota. Ray worked at the elevator as manager for 31 years and retired after a total of 39 years at the elevator. Helen preceded him in death on March 31, 1987. On December 16, 2022, Ray died at the Avera Sunrise Manor in Tyler at the age of 95 years, 2 months, and 14 days.

Ray was a member of the United Methodist Church in Lake Benton. Ray believed in the value of service to community. He was a volunteer fireman, member of the American Legion Henry Sollie Post 10, school board member, President of the Valley Manor Board, delivered meals on wheels, and was honored as the Lincoln County Citizen of the Year. He enjoyed goose hunting with Virg Veire, fishing with Don Willert, golfing, coffee with many friends, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Ray is survived by his children, Patti (Dave) Trautman, David Hurd, and Dean (Wendy) Hurd; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three siblings, Dar Hurd, Dick Hurd, and Jim (Sandy) Hurd; and sister-in-law, Barb Hurd. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; two brothers, Floyd Hurd and Robert Hurd; a sister, Bev Kimball; and parents, Walter and Mamie Hurd.

United Methodist Church of Lake Benton

102 Bluff Street

Lake Benton, MN 56149

Lake Benton American Legion Post

105 Benton Street

Lake Benton, MN 56149