"Raymond was the nicest man I ever met. So kind but so full of life and laughing. So lucky to meet him. His family taught me plenty. My Dad rented a 160 acre farm from John and Goldie Obrecht on the story county line SW of State Center. Born in 1952, I got to work with John everyday in the summers and the weekends until 1967 when my Dad passed away in Oct. The Obrecht's were hard working good people! And I also enjoyed Larry and Florence Honeck alot! They worked for Dad and lived on the farm we rented from John. So sorry I did not hear of this sooner so I could have been there. Peace to Your Family Always. God Loves Raymond! Ken Bear"
In loving memory of
Raymond Harold Obrecht
December 17, 1927 - November 8, 2016
Raymond H. Obrecht, 88, of Zearing, passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at his home, under the care of Iowa River Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, in Zearing, on Friday, November 11, 2016 from 3-7 p.m. with the family present from 5-8 p.m. A rosary service will begin at 7 p.m. following the visitation. Funeral mass will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Dagit officiating. Burial will follow at the St. James Catholic Cemetery in Colo.
Raymond Harold Obrecht was born at home in Rural Marshall County on December 17, 1927 to John and Goldie (Arnold) Obrecht. He attended school in Rural Marshall county. Following school, he began working on the family farm. Raymond then joined the Army and served in Japan as a medical technician during WWII. After returning home he married his lover girl, Carrie Sparrow on March 31, 1951 at St. Gabriel Church in Zearing. They started their married life at Ray's parents farm in State Center. In 1958, they moved their farming to Zearing where they continued raising their family. Carrie & Ray semi-retire in 1993 and they moved to McCallsburg before retiring in 2000 to her parent's farm (Ross & Rose Sparrow) in Zearing. He continued to help David on the farm, even with this year's harvest. Raymond was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, and the McCallsburg Legion Post #334. He had a great love for his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Raymond also enjoyed farming, traveling, camping, bowling, taught religion classes, serving on the parish council, a voracious reader and loved studying knowledgeable information, and picking up rocks because "it was low stress with job security."
Raymond is survived by his five children, Carol Hutto of Jacksonville, FL and children Michael (Jennifer) and Raymond of Jacksonville FL; Liz Tischler (John) of Eustis, FL and children Michael (Chris) Lounsberry of Orlando, Fl and Kerri (Steve) Whitley, of Savannah, GA; Rick Obrecht (Patty) of Kenosha, WI and children Abbe of Milwaukee, WI, Kate Higgins (Bryce) of Lincoln, NE and Rich (Katie) of Milwaukee, WI; Dave Obrecht (Peggy) of Zearing, IA and children Lisa of Zearing, IA, Emily (Beau) Hoppe of Ames, IA and Ryan of Dubuque, IA; and Jacki Pickles (Lance Carver) and children Megan Dubberke (Nick "Dob"), Jessica Schroeder (Jeff) and Danielle of Zearing, IA. Great grandchildren are Bristin and Loren Whitley, Austin and Hayley Lounsberry, Blake Obrecht, Penelope Hoppe, and Richie Obrecht; sisters Florence Honeck (Larry) of State Center, IA, and Floy Biggert (Bill) of Jacksonville, FL; many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
He joins his wife Carrie; parents; brother Alvin; and grandson, Nathan Obrecht.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Story County Medical Center or the Zearing Library.
Fredregill Funeral Home, in Zearing, has been entrusted with the care of Raymond and his family.
Tributes
"I always looked forward to seeing Raymond at Mass. He always had a smile. He's reunited with his heavenly family. RIP Raymond you'll be missed."