"Hi Dianne?? my condolences to you and your family on the passing of Ray. It has been over 50 years since I last saw you and Ray but I remember you two very well. This brings back a lot of memories from the old HCC days. Ray was a big man with a big kind heart and he loved the Lord. I remember when he come to Medicine Hat to visit you he spent the evening in the dorm with the fellas visiting and telling humourous stories and he always had a big laugh. We always enjoyed his company. You had an affectionate description about Ray that I still find humourous today?? you called him your ?Critter?. (cute and suitable). I know the Lord is walking with you during this time and I pray you feel His comfort and His peace. Take care and God bless. Ken and Debbie Hartung "
In loving memory of
Raymond Lloyd Pregitzer
July 5, 1945 - April 24, 2020
Raymond L. Pregitzer, age 74, of Ames, Iowa, died at his home on Friday, April 24, 2020. Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time. Condolences may be expressed online at www.amesmonument.com.
Raymond Lloyd Pregitzer was born July 5, 1945, in Hanna, Alberta, Canada, to Henry G. and Frieda (Burgemiester) Pregitzer. He grew up in Canada and earned his engineering degree from the University of Alberta.
Ray designed and built sound systems for residential and commercial applications. Later he was employed by Iowa State University, working with distance education.
On July 2, 1967, Raymond was united in marriage to Dianne Sharon Strait in Watertown, South Dakota. The couple was blessed with two children, Shauna and Damion. Ray attended Calvary United Methodist Church in Ames.
He is survived by his wife, Dianne; two children, Shauna Dieter of Cedar Rapids, and Damion (Katherine) Pregitzer of Ames; three grandchildren, Max, Riley, and Freya; and a sister, LaVonne Harrison of Alberta, Canada.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lawrence Pregitzer.
Ames Monument & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the care of Raymond and his family.
Tributes
"Dear Diane, We're sorry to hear about the passing of Ray. We have many happy memories of visiting both of you when were young and at Hillcrest. I'm sorry we lost contact with you both but you have been in our hearts and memories. Phil and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences and pray God will give you the strength and peace to go through this sorrowful and difficult time. Please contact us via our email when you are ready to chat about the good old days. Sending you our love and thoughts. Phil and Annalora Horch phorch@telus.net "
"Otto & Karen Pahl Ray and I attended the same church in Hanna, Alberta and attended Hillcrest College together for one year. I was one of the groomsmen at his wedding. The two of us were part of a male quartet for which Karen played piano. We send our deepest sympathies."
"I worked with Ray at ISU with Information Technology Services. My deepest Sympathy to Ray ?s Family . Mark Dobbe Ames Ia "
"Ray and I met when he and Dianne joined Calvary UMC church. We found we had similar interests and experiences and became close friends. Through the years we redesigned and reconfigured the sound system and added video capability. We had several other friends and church members who were our helpers during these many projects and we enjoyed the companionship greatly. For the last few years, when Ray had lost mobility, we just operated the system and eventually I moved to another church but we remained friends and somehow, as Ray was getting less mobile, we started to have coffee and conversation every Wednesday morning for an hour or two. Dianne liked to bake so she would try new recipes and we would be the samplers. Never found a bad one in all those years. We had many amazing conversations about technical things, world problems, local news and many other subjects. I will greatly miss the conversation and fellowship the three of us shared. I am sad because of our loss, but glad that Ray is now with the Lord and there is no more medical appointments or pain and suffering. We will grieve now and eventually move on but he will never be forgotten as he was a unique and wonderful person. "
"Dianne and family. I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Ray at ISU for a few years. I will always remember his laugh and his knowledge and skills. Matt Darbyshire"
"Dave Pahl Hi Big ?Sis? May God the Great Comforter be with you and your family. It has been many years since we talked or communicated. Ray and I grew up in the same church and community- Hanna, Alberta in Canada. Mine and your paths crossed at Hillcrest Christian College. We became brothers and sister because you didn?t have any brothers and I didn?t have any sisters. I was part of your wedding. I am praying that you will feel God?s loving arms around you. "
"Ray was always my "big" uncle and shared his love of electronics with me ( as he did with others) his whole life. He was always a man of faith and for me-living in Calgary and him in the US after his 30's, whenever we visited or talked/emailed, he was calmly engaged and well versed on most topics. When I was 17 , Ray advised me on the first stereo amplifier I bought, and built me a superb set of speakers in walnut cabinets. I still have the amp and speakers, and listen to both, a tribute to Ray's craftmanship and wisdom. Ray was a good uncle and a good man. Our thoughts are with Dianne and his family. Barb& Rian HarrIson "
"Where do I start? I met Ray At Hillcrest Christian College in the 60's. We became fast friends. He spent many times in our room, playing rook or just talking. Ray & Dianne's first date was on a week-end, I think it was a Friday night. And by Tuesday night they were engaged. According to him she was the only one for him & why wait. Right now I am still in shock , as I had tried so many times to contact him over the years & never was able to get him. Wanted to tell him how much I appreciated him . We both were interested in Electronics. In fact for one of the plays , "The Robe", he could not pickup the voices the way he wanted so he came up with the idea of taking a enamel wash bin , tying the mike(facing the dish), so the sound bounced off the basin into the mike. I worked. "
"There is one thing I failed to mention in my memories of Ray. He was a very dedicated man of God firstly, and then dedicated to his family, friends, and his work. He had a deep love for God and it showed in all he did. I have to agree with Doug Strait.. he had a heart of gold. May you rest in peace Ray."
"My thoughts are with you Dianne, Shauna and Damion in the loss of one so dear. I always enjoyed Ray. His infectious smile, timely wit, beautiful music both in voice and with piano, organ, and accordian. One thing I will always remember is when you brought Ray home to meet Mom and Dad, Dad made the comment he would have to always look up to him (as Ray towered over Dad at 6'6 1/2"). I will always remember the awesome times we had together. To many to mention! He was a great brother-in-law and will never be forgotten! Prayers and love to you all! "
"Served on our church board , with Ray , and always enjoyed his infectious laughter ! He was always such an ethical worker and could always round up tech hardware , back in the day when it was not nearly as available as it is today ! Great guy !"
"Ray was a very special brother-in-law. As Canadians, we kind of stuck together at family events! Will miss his deep laughter and warm spirit and caring heart. God's Peace be with the family at this difficult time."
"When Ray married our double niece, his subtle l humor won him over immediately. He was a brilliant person, always ahead of everybody else. He was talking about how CD's were going to be so popular. I thought CD was a savings account He was very musical. When he could no longer play the piano or the piano accordion, we were al disappointed. We will miss him."
"Sorry to hear of his passing into God's Kingdom of Heaven . There his beautiful singing voice will be shared with the rest of the angels. I had heard Ray sing at a couple of family funerals and thought what a powerful voice he was so blessed with. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family, they will cherish those great memories created during his lifetime here on Earth. Gerald & Gloria Cudmore"
"So sorry to hear of Ray?s passing..lots of fond memories & good times at the Blairsburg church..our sympathy to all of you..praying that God will give you His comfort ..Larry & Melody Olson"
"I worked with Ray for many years. He was always there when you needed help. If I had to say only one thing about him, it would be that he had a heart of gold."