Raymond Edwin Lahti

November 30, 1952 - December 1, 2021

In Loving Memory

Ray was my oldest big brother. In the past three years, I got to reconnect and strengthen our relationship mainly because Ray would call me 2 to 3 times per week just to talk. Talk about whatever, the big and little things. He always had advice for me about the farm. I was blessed to have him visit me on the farm this past Fall, so much fun and memories. Ray worked on so many projects without asking him to, he just saw something needed to be done and did it. So grateful for that. Will miss his laughter, his sense of humor, smile and loving voice. But I am looking forward seeing him one day in Glory with Jesus. I am truly blessed to have a big brother like Ray and missing him dearly.

Arlene Lahti
toivola, MN

I'm so sorry to hear about Ray passing. When I was a young process operator in Casper Wyoming , Ray would come to our unit and talk technical chemical stuff and I really enjoyed talking with him and enjoyed his compassion about the process. Ray would always be cheerful and funny at time. My condolences and prayers for his family.

Brett Gilbert
valparaiso , IN

I don't really know the answer to this but 2 to 3 weeks ago I was just thinking of Ray unaware of current circumstances. The last time I had seen Ray was in '02(?) while I was a service manager at the local Wal-Mart and at the time I wish we could have spoken a little more, he was gracious enough to excuse himself as I had a lot of customers in waiting and didn't want to interfere. The time before that was in the winter of '72/73 and we had a little more time then as him,I and his future bride traveled from Toivola to the cities so they could get back to classes and I back to work.A lot of people would make fun of us dumb Finlanders in joke form but little would they know that he was one of the most intelligent people in the world.While watching the video at this time I made sure there was time before I went to work,this was way more important and work could wait a little.Time somehow travels way too fast and it seems as if it wasn't as long since the last time we spoke until the mind's calander shows reality.I can tell from the pics that he was a very proud man as was his mother and father.Ray,my friend,you will be missed by many.

Gordy Maki
keewatin, MN

Oh my goodness! Ray was on my mind for so many years. We rode the schoolbus and he was always so uplifting. I remember his smile and his teasing. I am so happy for his family because they experienced his happiness so often. I came from a broken famiy. He truly uplifted me every day on the bus. God created him perfectly. I am sorry I never connected with him after we graduated. Looks like his smile never left. I am so sorry for his loss. Sympathy and comfort for his family. Thank God for sharing him thoughout his life with so many people! I am so thankul I grew up knowing him .

Bonnie Schiffler
mesa, AZ

I feel so fortunate to have spent 14 years working with Ray in Salt Lake City. We carpooled to work everyday which allowed me to hear stories about the kids, vacations, ski trips, hikes, and how the refinery was supposed to be operating! I learned a lot from Ray and always thought we would reconnect someday. I am sorry that we didn't, and so sorry for the family's loss. Ray was the world's greatest family man. He showed me that everyday and I'm sure you know how much he loved you all. 

James Tangaro
anacortes , WA

When I was transferred from Anacortes to Salt Lake City Ray was one of the first persons to make me feel welcome and like part of the Refinery family.  Ray had a deep knowledge of the refinery process and was willing to share his expertise with anyone who needed it.  Ray also shared many stories with me of growing up in Minnesota and his love for his family and the outdoors.  Rest In Peace my friend.  Dan and Chris Cameron

Dan Cameron
mount vernon, WA

My sincerest sympathies to all the Lahti family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May GOD bring you comfort and peace as you go through this difficult time.  The world has been a richer place with Ray being a part of it.

 

Cheryl Busker

Cheryl Busker
oakdale , MN

Ray was my oldest brother and we grew up together on our family farm, so he & I did so much 'side by side.' I learned so much from him while growing up, and I have so many fond & cherished memories. I shall miss you, Ray, and thinking of you now and till we meet together in Glory with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!

Ron Lahti
cadiz, KY

 Ray was in my class all through high school. He never failed to surprise me with his sense of humor and intelligence. I have often thought of him through the years, wondering how he was doing. What a beautiful family you all are! My sympathy goes out to you all for your great loss.

 

Linda (Bjerga) Bobst
wadena, ME

My deepest sympathy to your family. 

Barbara Taray
meadowlands , MN

Ray was my big brother! He was always by Dad's side working hard on the farm and appeared to love doing the chores. Happy for all the great memories and for the hope we have in Jesus that I can say see you later!

Audrey Lahti
des moines, IA

Sincere condolences to the Lahti family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Walter and Renea Wiegand

Walter and Renea Wiegand
draper, UT

So very sorry for your loss.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Wanda and John Taray

John and Wanda Taray
iron, MN

My deepest condolences to John and all the Lahti family, relatives and friends on the passing of Raymond - may he RIP. 

Thinking of you all at this time. 

Noel

Noel Conlon
galway, ireland, G

Sincere condolences to John, all the Lahti family, relatives and friends of Raymond. 

Thinking of you, as you celebrate Raymonds' remarkable life. 

Sending you warmest thoughts and prayers,

Antoinette

Antoinette Curtin
galway, ireland,

My deepest sympathies go to my dear friends John and Madeleine, and the Lahti Family.

 

Such a beautiful obituary. I had the pleasure of hearing some wonderful stories about John's Dad, and heard the fondness and respect he was held in.

 

May he rest in peace.

 

Michelle 

 

 

Michelle Kenny
limerick ireland ,

My sisters and I mourn Raymond's passing.  We thoroughly enjoyed debating whatever needed debating with him during our short five minute bus ride which was always too short. I'm sure he got off the bus thinking he won the debates because he always had a grin!  We pooled our babysitting monies to buy him a St.Urho rabbit because he said unequivocally that St.Urho's day was better than St. Patrick's day d/t his Finnish heritage.  Our prayers are with you all including Ron, Audrey, Richard, Arlene and Susan.  May God bless you all!  Val Bjerga Norenberg Hibbing 

Val Bjerga Norenberg
hibbing , MN

I always knew Uncle Ray as an interested conversationalist.  When he got the chance to talk to you, he paid attention and was genuinely interested in what you were sharing.  That always made me feel special.  He was also really glad to see me whenever we managed to be in MN at the same time.  The description of him as a father and grandfather comes as no surprise considering how he treated me and my husband and children.  We are sending our love and prayers to Uncle Ray and to all of you.  We were lucky to get the time to know him, to love him and BE loved by him.  ❤ God Bless!

Anne Riley
litchfield park, AZ

So sorry for your loss. Ray was a playmate and school friend. Always kind and thoughtful to others. I know he will be missed greatly. Our prayers and love to your family.

Jane and Steve Horvath
meadowlands, MN

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Raymond Lahti. We are so sorry for your loss and hope you can find comfort in knowing others care and share in your loss. 

Karen (Maki) Hewett
gilbert , MN

Dear Denyse and family,  Bill and I send our deepest sympathies to you. We are so sorry Ray passed at such a young age. Please know we are thinking about you at this difficult time. 

Bill and Kerrie Mawhinney
cottonwood heights , UT

What an amazing man and we have all been so privileged to have him in our lives.  Such a beautiful obituary- thank you for sharing such a lovely tribute. We will so miss his laughter and stories! Love you all so much!!!

Polly and Bruce Reikowski
apple valley, MN