Raynold Guenther, age 82, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2011 while working on his rural Waubun, MN farm.

Raynold Albert Guenther "Smilin' Ray", was born December 15, 1928 in rural Waubun, the son of Gustavas and Christine (Pahan) Guenther. He attended Fish Lake country school, where he graduated from the 8th grade. He joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Korea and Fairbanks, Alaska. After his tour of duty, he returned home to continue the farm operation with his parents and he also operated a sheep shearing business from Waubun to the Canadian border.

Ray married Ann Ohrt in August of 1957 and they continued raising six children and farming with dairy, beef and small grain on their 400 acre farm for the next 54 years.

Ray's first joy was his family and friends and being with them, sharing many a story. His other love was farming and his Black Angus cattle. When he was not busy farming, Ray enjoyed darkhouse spearing, deer hunting, gardening and eating all of Ann's "lowfat" wonderful meals, snacks, cookies, bars and etc.
Ray will be remembered for stopping in the middle of his work to help a neighbor with welding and repairs at anytime. His biggest thrill was welding gas tanks, which he was an expert at.
Ray was involved with Rosedale Township, Mahnomen County 4-H, Mahnomen Area Relay for Life, Ogema VFW Post #9880 and the Minnesota Darkhouse Association. He enjoyed watching his kids in high school and college sports and cheering on the Pequot Lakes track team.

Ray is survived by his wife, Ann of Waubun; three sons: David (Barb) of Pequot Lakes, MN, Steve (Diane) of Mahnomen, MN and Donald "Oscar" of Tenney, MN; three daughters: Lori (Ray Eggermont of Valley City, ND) Guenther of Waubun, Susie Guenther of Tenney and Nancy (Ken) Lacey of Bemidji, MN; one brother, Robert (Marilyn) Guenther of Waubun; nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews; plus was "Grandpa" to many kids in the neighborhood.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mark; a brother, George Guenther, and a sister, Virginia Spaeth.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, July 10, 2011 from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7pm and a rosary to follow. There will also visitation one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Interment will be at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.