Raymond J. Willmott passed away Monday, September 9, 2024, at Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna, MN. He was born February 25, 1945, in White, SD, to Harry and Mary Ellen Willmott. He graduated from White Highschool with the class of 1963. Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965, serving Honorably until 1969. While in the Navy, Ray served on the USS Benjamin Stoddert DDG-22. Following his discharge, Ray attended Mankato State University, receiving his Pilot's License in 1971.
Ray was married to Jeanne Stadler on January 8, 1971, in Mankato, MN. Following the marriage, the couple made their home in Mankato. The couple had 3 children: Robert, Tricia, and Amy. The family relocated to Owatonna in 1983.
Ray was owner-operator of MINDAK, a business he created and developed throughout the years. In the early years, he repaired typewriters, later sold and serviced computers. Eventually, he assisted families in memorializing their loved ones with monuments and markers. He was the Forest Hill Cemetery sexton and manager from 2001-2024.
Ray was the president of R.O.B. (Reaching Others from Beyond), a nonprofit organization that was established in memory of his son, Rob. Ray was a member of the Owatonna Knights of Columbus and the Msgr. Henry Speck 4th Degree Assembly. Ray was also a member of the Owatonna Eagles Club, V.F.W. Club, American Legion, Steele County Funeral Unit and an usher for St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was a life member of the Elks Club and Disabled American Vets of South Dakota. Ray was one of the founding members of the Owatonna Chapter of The Compassionate Friends. In his spare time, Ray enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and most of all spending fun times with his many friends and family.
Ray is survived by wife, Jeanne, of 53 years, daughters: Tricia (David) Noyce and Amy Lien, both of Owatonna.; and siblings Patricia (David) Landsman and Carol (George) Covrig.
He was preceded in death by son, Robert (Rob), his parents, six sisters and two brothers. Memorials were preferred to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the VA Fischer House.
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