Ramond "Ray" Wemhoff
Raymond “Ray” Wemhoff, 91, passed away Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception at his home in Humphrey, Neb., surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church and Father Eric Olsen celebrated the Mass. Interment was in the St. Francis Cemetery with military honors by the Humphrey American Legion Post 80 Foltz Zuerlein and the VFW Post 7725 Honor Guard. Visitation was on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the church with a 4 p.m. Knights of Columbus Rosary and a 7 p.m.. Vigil Service. Visitation continued on Thursday from 9-10 a.m. at the church. Donations in his memory may be made to St. Francis Church or the Humphrey Veterans Memorial Fund.
Ray was born on July 12, 1928, in Humphrey, Neb., the son of Theodore and Mary (Wieser) Wemhoff. He attended St. Mary of the Angels School in rural Humphrey and graduated from St. Francis High School in 1946. On June 20, 1951, Ray and Lenore Eisenmenger were united in marriage at St. Francis Catholic Church. Shortly after their wedding Ray was deployed to South Korea to serve in the United States Army. After being injured at the front, he was assigned to the 558th Military Police Company where he rapidly attained the rank of Sergeant. One of the highlights of his military career was guarding President-Elect Dwight D. Eisenhower during his visit to Korea in December 1952.
Ray and Lenore farmed the family farm southeast of Humphrey until the mid-90s, raising seven children. Ray also founded K-W Construction with Jim Krings. Upon the death of his good friend Kenny Pfeifer, he was asked by Norfolk Mutual Insurance Company to manage Kenny's accounts. He became a field agent and was eventually elected to the Board as Secretary-Treasurer, a position he held for 20 years and to which he was reelected last summer.
He loved to play cards. With five other couples, he and Lenore were members of a sheepshead club for over 60 years. He was one of the founding members of Steepleview Golf Course and played golf almost daily until age 88, having the distinction of making two “nests in one” in a tree near the 9th hole. Ray and Lenore took swing dance classes and enjoyed dancing to the big bands at nearby ballrooms. He was an avid gardener and was very proud of his lawn; he never felt better than when riding his mower.
Ray played basketball in high school and was selected Nebraska All-State at the center position in 1946, described in the press as a “feared sharpshooter.” He and Lenore were great fans of all St. Francis High School sports, attending games long after their children and grandchildren graduated. With his good friend Bob Olmer he would park his pickup at the football field to get a prime view, and they would share a flask of “The Recipe” to keep warm during the game.
Ray belonged to American Legion Post 80 and the Knights of Columbus, also serving as Grand Knight. He was a man of high integrity and could be depended upon to do the right thing, even when it was hard. He had a quick and dry wit, and could really deliver a line!
Ray is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lenore, children Connie (Don) Taylor, Marcie (James) Young, Lee (Pam) Wemhoff, Becca Wemhoff, Gina (Kevin) Langin, Rob (Cindy) Wemhoff, and Jody (Kory) Petersen, 12 grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Gerard and brother-in-law Hal Hensle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Mary Wemhoff, brothers Leonard, Steve, Ed, Bill, Clarence, and Vince, sisters Teckla (in infancy), Hildegarde, Marie, Margaret Broadgate, Faye Krings, Theresa Hensle, and Sister Ann Wemhoff, OFM, and daughter-in-law Carol Ann Wemhoff.
Condolences may be sent to www.duesmanfc.com