"Gary, myself and our two children, Eric and Amy will always remember you. Everytime you came to Arizona you and Lois would make an attempt to come and visit. You came to Eric and Heathers wedding which meant so much to them and also to me. I remember visiting with you, Francis in May in Iowa at the reception for Amy and Tristan. You told me how much Lois still missed Merlyn. Now you and my Dad and see each other in heaven. Amy still talks about how when came to the farm you took her out in the field with the manure spreader. Francis and Lois you made a lasting impression on Gary's parents while visiting with them on numerous occasions. Gary and I will still come to the farm to visit when back in Iowa, but it won't be the same without you there. With Love and respect, Gary & Ronda Killam"
In loving memory of
Francis J. Rayhons
May 16, 1934 - January 11, 2009
GARNER - Francis J. Rayhons, 74, of Garner died Sunday (January 11, 2009) at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Thursday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan with Frs. Brian Dellaert and Henry Huber officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Duncan.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 P.M., Wednesday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan with a Catholic Workman rosary at 7 P.M. followed by a Scriptural wake service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Memorials may be given in his name to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.
Francis John Rayhons, the son of Henry and Agnes (Kopacek) Rayhons, was born May 16, 1934, on the family farm northwest of Garner. He attended country school near his home and graduated from Garner High School in 1950. Francis continued his education at Iowa State University in Ames for a short time before moving back home to help on the farm. On January 25, 1955, he married Lois J. Helps at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan. They made their home on a farm northwest of Garner where they raised their eight children and farmed. Francis also milked cows for 37 years, raised feeder cattle and was a seed dealer for Hawkeye Seed Company and Prairie Brand Seeds for a number of years. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's activities, watching local sporting events, polka music and was an avid Iowa State fan.
He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church where he served as a lector and eucharistic minister, Catholic Workman FCSLA Branch w51, Farm Bureau and was a lifelong blood donor.
Francis is survived by his wife, Lois, of Garner; eight children, Steven Rayhons of Mesa, AZ, Julie (Earl) Beshey of Garner, Susan (Tim) Speers of Storm Lake, David Rayhons of Garner, Gregory (Sandy) Rayhons of Garner, Jerome (Tracey) Rayhons of Altoona, Lisa (Dana) Sindelar of Indianapolis, IN and Laurie (Kevin) Merryman of Maxwell; grandchildren, J.W. (Tiffany) Rayhons and their two children, Chase and Michayla, Preston and Blake Rayhons, Eric, Evan and Nicole Beshey, Jeff and Matt Speers, Alesha, Brianna and Trevor Rayhons, Shannon and Mariah Rayhons and Carter, Rylee and Haylee Merryman; siblings, Henry V. (Donna) Rayhons of Garner, Teresa (LeRoy) Preuschl of Garner, Evelyn (Paul) Grandgenett of Wesley, Agnes (Jerald) Zeihan of Marshalltown, Lawrence (Carole) Rayhons of Lenox , George (Mary) Rayhons of Corpus Christi, TX , Mark (Kathy) Rayhons of Garner and Mary (Gene ) Rasmussen of Ames; a brother-in-law, Harlan (Loraine) Helps of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Kathryn in 1962; an infant grandson, Clinton Rayhons; and a sister-in-law, Marvalyn Rayhons.
Tributes
"Francis I will miss you dearly. I was able to see you at the Rayhons brother and sister Christmas gathering, and in my heart I just knew you were going to alright, not knowing at that time; that "alright" was going to be with God so soon. Francis you made me feel like a true sister and not just a "sister-in-law", I too was lucky to get those warm hugs everytime I came up to visit with George. I will always remember when you and Lois came to visit George and I in Corpus Christi, Texas and we went to a Valentines Day dance. George is really going to miss you; just as all of us will. Francis thank you for welcoming me into your family, what a bunch you are. I love and will truly miss your big heart. P.S. just like the Anne Murray song that you like so much, when I come to see you in heaven "can I have this dance". Love, Mary"
"Lois and family,
Francis will be truly missed by all whoever met him. He was the kindest husband, father, brother, and grandfather anyone could ask for. He always made you feel welcome into his family. Your family will be in our daily thoughts and prayers."
"Dad, It is so hard to believe that I won't be able to see your warm smile or hear your wonderful laugh again or get to see you playing with my children. I'm so happy that you got to meet your newest granddaughter, Haylee. Probably one of the greatest gifts you ever gave me was the gift to gab and talk to anyone. One of my favorite memories was when we went to the Independence bowl in Shreveport, LA to watch Iowa State (both times) and you and I were walking around the parking lot (with a wine cooler in hand)at the tailgates and you would just wander the crowd and strike up a conversation with anyone. And, the kicker is eventually, you would find a connection - some 2nd cousin to some priest you knew or some crazy thing like that. I too don't mind striking up a conversation with a stranger and I know I got that from you. Thank you for always being the kind of dad that looked out for his daughter. The love you always showed me and my family will live on forever. "
"When I think of some of my oldest memories,I think of having a visit to grandma agnes&grandpa henry`s after church,taking a ride,all 10 of us piled into that'72 Impala,`cross rollercoaster road`past grandpa rayhons` old farm; grandpa harlow and grandma dorthy staying with us kids, when mom and dad went on Harvestore tours all across the midwest...my dad was oldschool, ok! He was a good stewart of the land;he was always putting in more tile, he had them terraces built, he was into improvements! I am very proud of my dad for being a very successful farmer! But the only way he was able to attain any of his goals, was because he had the the love of a good woman, a woman that took a chance, a woman that had the right upbringing......the two of them were focussed on 1 thing! To provide the best family life they could for their family! I gotta say....job well done!! The gradifying feeling I have when I look at all the portraits,I`ll tell ya what, they did 1 heck of a time running that farm! Everybody had their job!From uncle Harlan Helps helping out when dad had his back surgury; to mom saying "if we`re going do this,we`er going put some concrete in the cowlot" these people were "on fire" and they did it their way! A nice pleasant thought; sitting around the shade-tree/having a cold beaverage after bailing hay......those were good times!!"
"Jerome and family, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family"
"To Jerome and family, your dad was such an inspiration to me. He was always kind, gentle, and full of wisdom. I was one of those strangers you talked about many years ago and from that point on, we had some great conversations. As a farmer's daughter, his stories were especially touching to me. There was no doubt that he loved his family and was very proud of all of you. His presence on earth will be missed, but his caring spirit will always be there."
"To all of the Rayhons family - what a great bunch. Francis was a very special person who touched the lives of many people with his smiles and enthusiasm. Love, hugs, and prayers to all."
"Tim, Sue, and family, My deepest sympathies are with you during this difficult time. You have all been in our thoughts and prayers."
"To Mark and family: My deepest sympathies go out to you during this time. I was very sad to hear of the loss, and my prayers will definitely be with you during this time. -Andrew Rayhons"
"Lois, Jerome, Tracey, Shannon, Mariah - Francis will be missed greatly and so sorry to hear of the loss. Your family will be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. "
"You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. "
"Laurie and family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I never knew Francis but know that he had a wonderful heart and was patient and kind, traits that he passed on to his children. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Sue and Family- I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's death... My prayers and thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. "
"Dear Lois & Family We are sorry to read of Francis'death. We have a lot of memories of Francis and you over the years. We looked forward to our occasional visits and getting together at the annual reunion. He will be missed. you are in our thoughts and prayers Lou & Maxine Urich "
"To my Grandpa, my buddy: I will always remember the fun times we shared together, like waking up early to feed the cows, riding in your pick-up, and playing ??Uno Attack.? It meant so much to see you and Grandma in the stands at any one of my sporting events, but especially softball. You were loved by all of my friends, and coaches. I will miss seeing you there, right behind home plate, cheering me on. But no matter what, I know that you be watching and cheering me on from above. I will miss seeing your calm smile, hearing your comforting voice, and feeling the love from your hugs. Even though I will be missing you, I will always love you! "
""In a perfect world you would still be here, all the memories we share are in my heart and always near." Grandpa: We both know this world is far from perfect but to me, you and all of our memories are. The way your hugs felt warm and the way your smile lit up a room will forever be missed and always remembered. There aren't any amount of words that can explain what you mean to me. Even though you aren't physically here you'll always be in my heart having an impact on who I am. I know when I put on that 44/45 Southeast Polk basketball jersey, I will have the best guardian angel in the stands cheering me on and inspiring me to play my heart out. Grandpa, you will be missed more than you can ever imagine but you will live forever in my heart. I love you! "
"I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's death. We are thinking of you and praying for you. May you cherish the memories you have of him."
"This candle is lit for dad for all the times you "lit" up our lives! May God bless you and Mom."
"Someone has told me that "the greatest gift you can give someone else is some of YOUR time". I believe it and that is one of my dad's greatest gifts. He gave people, many times complete strangers, some of his time, attention, and conversation. After people had talked to dad - he knew something about them and they knew something about him. Dad - we will miss you greatly but your spirit and "presence" will be with us forever. God bless you!"
"Jerome, Tracey, Shannon, Mariah and the Rayhons' Family, We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Laurie, Lisa and family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was always so patient and kind with all of us girls back in our teenage years...what a beautiful soul. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
"On behalf of the Hancock County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, we salute Francis as a past president and leader. Our sympathies to the entire Rayhons family."
"Sue, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Lois and Family -- We are so sorry to hear of Francis' death. We always enjoyed our visits with the two of you at the Urich Reunions. I even kidded him at the last reunion at being just as handsome as ever! (Of course, he blushed at that one.) You and your family are in our prayers. May God Rest his Soul."
"Lisa and the entire Rayhons Family, I'm so sorry to hear of your recent loss. Your dad was always a faithful fan throughout all of our sporting events, Lisa. I can sitll see him sitting up in the stands....now he has the premium seat overlooking his grandkids' events...May your wonderful memories of your husband/dad/grandpa help comfort you in the upcoming days. "
"We are sorry for your loss and we will hold your family in our prayers."
"Lois and Family, We would like to extend our sympathy on the passing of Francis. He was a worker and a faithful member of the church where he also worked hard as a member. We're thinking of you, and hope the weather calms down. Darlene and Jim Reinig. Mesa, AZ."
"I have been blessed to marry into such a wonderful family. Francis, I love you and will miss hearing the sound of your voice and warm chuckle. It's comforting to know your gentle, calm spirit will live on through all of us you have touched in your special way. To Lois, Jerome and my "Rayhons Sisters and Brothers," I love you and am here for you. "
"sorry to hear about your loss, my prayers go out to u all..i'm a friend /classmate of jeromes"
"Lois and Family, We are SO DEEPLY sorry for your loss. Francis was a wonderful Brother who will be greatly missed. We will be in constant prayer for the whole family. "