Raymond T. Dorn

RAYMOND THEODORE DORN was born on August 13, 1926 to Joseph and Catherine (Kellen) Dorn in Adrian, Minnesota. He attended school in Adrian through the eighth grade. On January 27, 1948, Ray was united in marriage to Vivian Bruns at St. Kilian Catholic Church. The couple moved to a farm near Adrian and began farming. As in those days, they farmed with horses to do the fieldwork. In 1952, the couple moved to a farm near Luverne, Minnesota. Here they made their home as they were blessed with six children. Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandpa and farmer. He simply enjoyed being a steward to the land. In addition to the work, Ray learned many valuable lessons to apply to life. In addition to family, he and Vivian loved to travel and especially enjoyed dancing at the Luverne VFW with neighbors and friends. After 52 years, Ray formally retired from his vocation in 2001. He then helped one of his neighbors farm for a few years. In 1995, Vivian fell ill and for the next years, Ray took great care of her until she preceded him in death on March 20, 2002. Ray continued to reside in Luverne and then started mowing for Christiansen Farms for several years. Around this time, he began his mornings trying to solve the world’s problems with his peers while having a cup of coffee at Glen’s Grocery. Often times it just led to reminiscing about the better days from the past. On Friday, July 31, 2020, following a recent fall and additional other health ailments, Ray died peacefully at the Sanford Luverne Hospital at the age of 93 years, 11 months and 18 days.

Ray was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne, where he had served as a Eucharistic minister and usher. During his life, he was active in the 4-H program and enjoyed helping his children get ready for the Rock County Fair. He also enjoyed fishing with his family, hunting deer and pheasants, card club, and in his later years making trips to the casino. Ray loved to visit and joke around as he was very much a people person. He was always willing to help out anyone and will be remembered for his infectious spirit.

Ray is survived by his five children, Colette (Gary) Peterson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Carol (Tom) Foster of Luverne, Colleen Hemme of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Kristy Monger of Nashville, Tennessee, and Mark (Jodie) Dorn of Luverne; 13 grandchildren, Tera, Amy, Matthew, Beth, Jonathan, Todd, Stephanie, Chad, Nicole, Abby, Amanda, Nathan, and Marissa; 28 great-grandchildren; and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian; daughter, Mary Ann; parents, Joseph and Catherine; sisters, Ann Herrig, Martha (Sister David), Margaret (Sister Adrienne), and Helen Loosbrock; and brothers, Lawrence, Pete, Ed, and Wilfred “Red” Dorn.