Raymond "Ray" Kaster, age 85, of Fertile, MN, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, under the loving care of Moments Hospice and his family at Mother of Mercy in Albany, MN.

Raymond Henry Kaster was born on May 23, 1940, in Beaulieu, MN, to Bernard and Martha (Tschida) Kaster. He attended Ahmann country school and Mahnomen High School. Ray honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1960 and 1963 to 1967. During this time, Ray served during the Vietnam War, receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Mast, National Defense Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal for his dedicated service. On February 5, 1966, Ray was united in marriage to Eileen Timmer at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu. The couple moved to California where Ray was stationed at El Toro Marine Base and worked as an airline mechanic. In 1968, they returned to Minnesota, where Ray and Eileen farmed and milked cows south of Fosston for many years side by side until retirement. They were blessed with two children, Dana Rae and Daniel, and happily married for over 49 years until Eileen's passing. Ray also enjoyed being a rural letter carrier for several years in Mahnomen.

Ray and Eileen were longtime members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fosston, and later, members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu. Upon retiring, Eileen and Ray moved to the Fertile area. Eileen passed away on May 15, 2015 after battling cancer. Ray continued to call Fertile home until he briefly moved to Mother of Mercy care center in Albany before his passing.

Ray enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He was a proud Minnesota Twins fan, always keeping up with their season, and never missed a chance to cheer on the NDSU Bison football team on TV. Some of his favorite moments were those spent with family, deer hunting with his brothers, and sharing a cold beverage and good conversation with friends.

Ray's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who looked after him while he was living in Fertile. Your kindness, visits and friendship meant so much to Ray and to his children. They also wish to thank the compassionate staff of Moments Hospice and Anderson Family Funeral Home for their gentle care and support.

Ray is survived by his children, Dana Rae (Brad) of Deer Creek, MN; and Dan of St. Paul, MN; six grandchildren: Taylor, Ally, Ashley, Aaron, Kaleb and Kora; and siblings: Donald (Nancy) Kaster, Eugene Kaster, Richard (Greta) Kaster, Audrey (Jack) Frank, and Mike Kaster.

Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife, Eileen; parents, Bernard and Martha Kaster; in-laws, Anton and Margaret Timmer; brothers, Bernard Jr. and Kenneth; sister, Doreen Leslie, infant sister, Marilyn Kaster; and brothers-in-law, Bob Leslie and Gene Timmer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu.