on retirement he worked for the Park and Recreation Department for the city of Forest City. Ray was an avid craftsman with wood. A special project to him done with Mike Lewellen was duplicating the woodwork at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home at the time of their remodeling. There is evidence of his craftsmanship in many places. His greatest joy was his family. He loved them dearly. Ray was a longtime faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of Forest City; three sons, Dan (Barbara) Schmidt of Gainesville, FL, James (Karen) Schmidt of West Des Moines and Timothy Schmidt of Jacksonville, FL; four grandchildren, Dustin, Holli, Daniel and Lauren Schmidt; a brother, Richard Schmidt of Joice; a sister-in-law, Myrna Schmidt of Garner; and many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters; and five brothers.