Raymond Englund

Raymond Conrad Englund was born on August 19, 1924 in Alexandria, MN to Conrad and Florence (Lee) Englund. He was baptized at the Assembly of God Church in Alexandria. Ray attended the school in Alexandria until the 8th grade and later in life finished his education receiving a GED. He went to live with his aunt and uncle Ed and Edna Lee, where he helped them with chores and fell in love with horses. He later went to work for the Thompson farm where he met Marcella. Ray was united in marriage to Marcella Thompson on October 2, 1944 in North Dakota. Ray was drafted into the Army where he was stationed in Mineral Wells, Texas where Marcella went to live. After the Army the couple moved back to Alexandria where Ray went to work for the North American Creamery. In 1947, Ray started driving bus for Greyhound where the fellow drivers gave him the nickname ?Coon Dog?, he also drove part time for Transport Inc. and Dahleen Transport. Ray and Marcella opened the Homme Dieu Motel, which they had from 1960 till 1977. He retired from driving Greyhound in 1986 after 39 years of driving. After retirement he drove for Utopia and Mayer Tours and was a caregiver for his wife, Marcella when she became ill until her passing in 2002. In 2003, Shirley Nelson came into his life, who was a dynamic inspiration to Ray and his family. Ray and Shirley spent 9 wonderful years enjoying each other?s company and traveling. Ray loved his horses, riding them in the parades with Sheriff Posse ?Horse Unit? which he started in 1975, giving sleigh rides, taking them hunting in Montana. He also enjoyed hunting deer and elk, fishing and being outdoors. He also enjoyed singing and playing guitar. He sang many songs in Swedish for weddings and funerals. Ray died on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Peaceful Bliss in Alexandria at the age of 87. He is survived by his special friend, Shirley Nelson; daughters, RaeDena Worman of Dresser, WI, and Marabeth Englund of Alexandria; grandchildren, RaeDena?s children, Ryan (Kristin) Darren and Robin Peterson; and Marabeth?s children, James Norris, and Janet (Scott) Norris Mallin; and great-granddaughter, Alexa ?Helga? Peterson; sister, Helen Blossom and Murial (George) Davis both of Prescott, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. Ray is preceded in death by parents, Conrad and Florence; wife, Marcella; sister, Marlys (Jerry) Wold, brother, Donald (Ina Mae) Englund; and brother-in-law, Glen Blossom. A funeral service was held on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Hans Dahl officiating. Music was provided by pianist, Kim Byrne and soloist, Jody Englund. Interment was held in Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria. Military Honors were provided by the Alexandria American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936 and the Minnesota National Honor Guard. Casket bearers were James Norris, Ryan Peterson, Darren Peterson, Scott Mallin, Janet Mallin and Robin Peterson. Honorary casket bearers were the Douglas County Sheriff Posse ?Horse Unit?.