Archived Services

Ray Van Deest
11-30-2009

Ray Van Deest, 82, died Monday, November 30, 2009 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Ray was born in Davis, South Dakota on March 6, 1927, the son of William and Jacoba (VanNingen) Van Deest. Upon his graduation from Davis High School, he was drafted into the Army and served as Staff Sergeant in Germany. He attended Mechanic's School in Kansas City and then taught Auto Mechanics at Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, South Dakota. Ray worked for Sweetman Bridge and Box Culvert Crew for several years and then served as Yard Foreman at Sweetman in Sioux Falls until his retirement. Ray and his beloved wife, Lois (Blue), participated fully in the many activities at St. Joseph Cathedral. He was an avid fan of his beloved Minnesota "Twinkies" - win or lose! "Dad" played a vital role in the lives and the development of his children, Peggy and Dan. The role continued with his grandchildren - "Papa" they called him. Ray was preceded in death by his father: William in 1934; his mother: Jacoba in 1969; his wife: Lois in 1984; his sister-in-law: Violet and special cousin Margaret in 2002; and his sister Anna Mae in 2009. He is survived by his daughter: Peggy (Wayne) Taylor and their children: Mandy, Jenny and Eric; great-grandchildren: Myah and Tucker; his son: Dan (Angela) Van Deest and their children: James, Anna and Evan. He is also survived by his brother: Orval Van Deest, Lead, SD and his family: Bill (Carol) Van Deest; Bob (Sandy) Van Deest and their children: Jeremy, Andy, Sara and their granddaughter: Peyton; his brother: Bennie (Nannette) Van Deest, Greeley, CO and his family: Brad and Nanelle. Ray also leaves cousins, relatives and friends. Visitation will be Friday 5-7 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with family present from 5-7 PM. Funeral Service will be Saturday, 1 PM in our chapel with burial to follow at St. Michael Cemetery with Full Military Rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #628.