Obituary of Gayle Merton Raymond

    Gayle Merton Raymond, the son of Merton and Ferne (Hauser) Raymond, was born June 6, 1927. He lived his youth in the Melvin and Sanborn, IA areas, attending and graduating from Sanborn Public School. He was active in all sports, but especially enjoyed baseball.
    On April 8, 1948, Gayle was united in marriage to Bonnie Gibbs at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. To this union, two daughters were born: Beryl and Rhee. Gayle had a passion for agriculture, and loved the many years he had farming side by side with his Dad.
    Gayle and Bonnie farmed until 1973, when they relocated to Lake Okoboji. Gayle worked at McQuays, and then went into the retail business operating Shell Land, The Basket House, Okoboji Ave. Liquors, plus others. He enjoyed everything about the lake area, especially the Amusement Park and all the progress.
    Gayle was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Sanborn, IA, and the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA. He served the church in many ways; as a Trustee and Deacon, as well as singing in a men's group called The Kings Men. He also served on several boards in both communities. Gayle was a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He always enjoyed attending the many activities his grandchildren participated in. He was an avid Cubs fan, and shared this enthusiasm for baseball with all. He was rarely seen without his Cubs hat on.
    Gayle passed away at Hawkeye Care Center in Spirit Lake, IA on June 5, 2017 at the age of 89. On Sunday, June 4, he celebrated with 40 family and friends at the Care Center and said, "This is the best day ever."
    He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; his parents, Merton and Ferne Raymond; two brothers: Harlyn (Jeanette) Raymond, and Dean Raymond; and one nephew, Brian Jones.
    Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters: Beryl (Keith) Marra of Okoboji, IA, and Rhee (Danny) Zima of Onawa, IA; four grandchildren: Rory Marra of Milford, IA, Zachary Zima of Onawa, IA, Reeann Marra of Okoboji, IA, and Kassie Zima and special friend, Spencer Taylor of Spencer, IA; one sister, Sherryl (Jack) Jones of Wahpeton, IA; sister-in-law, Donna Raymond of Sanborn, IA; special nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Gayle M. Raymond

Born ~ June 6, 1927 
Died ~ June 5, 2017
Age ~ 89 years    11 months    29 days 

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Friday, June 9, 2017
11:00 a.m.
Sanborn Funeral Home Chapel
Sanborn, Iowa

Clergy ~ Rev. Clint Loveall

Musical Tribute
Dave Brown

"Live Forever"

CD Selections
Processional ~ "It Is Well With My Soul"
                         "Softly And Tenderly"
Recessional ~ "Go Cubs, Go"

Honorary Pallbearers
Rory Marra    Reeann Marra     Zachary Zima
Kassie Zima    Spencer Taylor

Interment
Roseland Cemetery
Sanborn, Iowa