Raymond Bert Minchow

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(June 9, 1925 -June 10, 2012)

Raymond Bert Minchow died on Sunday, June 10, 2012 after a series of strokes. Ray lived a life filled with family, friends and a community he loved. Ray was 87.

Ray proudly served his country during World War II. Ray was a sergeant in the Army when he and his squad were reported as “missing in action.” Ray always joked that he knew where he was the whole time! Ray received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and many other medals.

After the war, Ray came home and graduated from Natrona High School in 1946. Ray played in the fast pitch softball league in Casper. His dad, Bert, was the league’s leading pitcher, and Ray led the league in hitting. Ray was instrumental in starting the Little League Baseball program in Lovell in the 1950s and was one of the first sponsors. He loved all sports, and followed his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and neighbors. He was so proud of ALL of his grandkids, going to all of their high school and college graduations. 

He met and married Jackie Hutchison, the love of his life, on June 3, 1949. You very seldom saw Ray without Jackie by his side. In 1953, they moved to Lovell and purchased the Mobil gas station. Ray and Jackie instantly made many long, lasting friendships. They spent many years fishing, camping, bowling, gardening and traveling.

Ray wanted to be able to take his family to the mountains so in 1963 he and Buck Hill designed a crew cab pick-up. It was the first of its kind. Ray often said that they should have patented the crew cab. 

Ray was a true American. He loved his country and showed that love in so many unselfish ways.  Ray, along with other American Legion members, spent years fixing up used toys for the needy children in the community. They put flags out on Main Street, drilling holes for the flags and making sure the flags were in good shape. Ray, Jackie and their family, and many friends continued to put flags out for Memorial Day at the Lovell Cemetery. He was so proud of being a member of the cemetery board, and loved the way the cemetery looked, especially when all the flags were honoring our veterans. He was a true American hero.

Ray always enjoyed the “coffee crew” at the station over the years. He and so many others solved the problems of the world each morning. When past employees or friends were in town, they always took a few minutes to join him at the station and to catch up.  He was very respected and loved.

Ray’s family feel very blessed to have had such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and best friend. He always had time to stop what he was doing and to talk or listen. He was kind and gracious and showered ushis family with so much love and support. 

Raymond Bert Minchow was born to Bert and Louella Minchow on June 9, 1925 in Lavoye, Wyo.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Al and Dick and their wives, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lloyd and Kate Hutchison, sister-in-law Ramona Lloyd and her son Johnny.

He is survived by his wife Jackie of 63 years, son Don and wife June of Cowley, kids Eric, Jessica, Pat and Jeff and their families; son Jim and wife Donna of Lovell, kids Nichole, Heidi, and Jared and their families; daughter Carol and husband Mike Fink of Lovell, kids Kati and Kyle and their families; and daughter Lori and husband Dave Scheffler of Lovell, kids Tim, Shelli, Kristen, and Josh and their families. Ray had 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, tons of “honorary” children and grandchildren and a community he loved. 

Services were held in honor of Ray on Friday, June 15, 2012 at the Lovell High School Gymnasium.  Burial with full military honors followed at the Lovell Cemetery. Ray would be honored by donations to the American Legion Flag Project, Relay for Life or the Lutheran Church parking project.

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