Schmedding, Raymond 'Ray' Charles

Raymond “Ray” Charles Schmedding, 88, died peacefully at his home on Nov. 2, 2011, after a brief illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mount Vernon. There will be a time of visitation beginning at 9 a.m. for those who wish to come together for some time before the funeral.

Ray was born Jan. 6, 1923, in Winnebago, Neb., to Henry and Mary (Rotert) Schmedding. Ray graduated from high school at Winnebago in 1940. Ray spent his early years in Nebraska until his family moved to Neola, Iowa, where the family farmed for 16 years. Ray and his brother Maurice purchased farm land near Mount Vernon in 1971. They farmed together until Maurice's death in March 1990. Ray continued to farm until his retirement.

Ray shared a passion for midget race cars with both his brothers, Maurice and Dennis. They spent time traveling to races and entering their car in competition.

Ray served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of American Legion Hahn - Howard Post 480 in Mount Vernon. and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Lisbon-Mount Vernon.

Ray's gentle spirit, kindness and generous heart won over many friends during his years in the Lisbon and Mount Vernon area. He loved to go to lunch with his buddy, Leonard Brown, at the Martelle-C Store to visit with local farmers and friends. Ray loved pie and said he hadn't met a pie he didn't like.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mary, his brothers, Maurice and Dennis; and a sister-in-law, Bertha.

He is survived by a number of cousins and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Mercy in Cedar Rapids.

Published Nov. 4, 2011, in The Gazette