In loving memory of

Raymond Melvin Molde
December 10, 1930 - November 21, 2020

Raymond M. Molde, 89, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at River Bend Assisted Living.

Raymond was born December 10, 1930 in Rock Dell to August and Eleanor Molde. After high school, Ray went on to work for Kemps, where he spent his entire career. When not working at Kemp's, Ray also enjoyed spending time working on his farm. He had a love for his tractors, farm kitties and his trucks and cars. Dancing was a passion of Ray's and he loved polkas and waltzes. He loved playing the drums, lutefisk, lefse, and going to auctions, where sometimes he may even be the auctioneer. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. Ray was hands down the wittiest and most charming man. He was always a jokester and enjoyed flirting and joking with the staff at the assisted living facility. Everyone that was lucky enough to meet Ray absolutely loved him.

Ray is survived by his sister, Mavis (Milton) Whers of Chatfield, MN and preceded in death by his sisters Margaret Andreason and Barbara Molde.

Ray was first married to Joyce LaBresh and is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Sadauskis of Wyoming and is preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl Walker. Ray later went on to marry Eileen Milbrandt and is also survived by her children; Gerald (Debra) Behnken of Rochester, MN, David (Colleen) Behnken or Rochester, MN, Terry Behnken of Kenyon, MN and Pat (Bob) Morris of Iowa.

After Eileen's passing, he spent the later part of his life dancing the nights away with his special friend Bonnie Benike of Chatfield, MN. She was exceptionally special to Ray and he loved her companionship.

Ray had a large host of grandchildren; Jennifer Long of Mankato, MN, Melissa Branson of California, Tina (Jeremy) Jacobson of Kasson, MN, Tamara (Eric) Davis of Rolling Stone, MN, Chad (Jessica) Bennerott of Stewartville, MN, Chad (Amy) Behnken of Rochester, MN, Summer Mallan of Rochester, MN, Cory (Emma) Behnken of Rochester, MN, Jennifer (Een) Johnson of Byron, MN, and Jessica Behnken of Byron, MN, Jacob Hartstein, Ryan Hartstein and was preceded in death by Stacey Stevens. In addition, he is survived by many great-grandchildren as well; Miley, Cade, Brayden, Keegan, Brynlee, Wynn, Wes, Kylie, Kayda, Masey and Jaxon.

A funeral service to celebrate Ray's life will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Burial will be at East St. Olaf Cemetery right after the funeral service. Due to Covid-19, masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. The funeral will be livestreamed through the Ranfranz and Vine Facebook page. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Molde family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Patrick Legier wrote on Nov 29, 2020:

" I was truly blessed to have Ray as a friend. He was always so kind to me and my family. When we built our house he took his favorite tractor ?big blue? and helped us clear the land. Our house is at the top of a relatively big hill with a long driveway. One Christmas Ray shows up with a beautiful, beautiful sled with a big bow ribbon on it and gave it to the kids So they could slide down the hill. We obviously think of Ray every time we use that sled. We always have a big smile on our face thinking of Ray?s kindness. Larry and Mary Jo Legier"

Patrick Legier wrote on Nov 29, 2020:

" We will miss you we had many fun times The Legier"

Shari Elliott wrote on Nov 28, 2020:

"My husband and I knew Ray from working at the dairy. Plus many nights we sat together at the Eagles and other places dancing to polkas and waltzes with Eileen. We had many fun times together. Really nice guy and enjoyed our time with him and his wife. God bless. Virgil and Shari Elliott"

Sarah Milbrandt Fitch wrote on Nov 26, 2020:

"I have many happy memories of Ray. I'm sorry to hear of his passing."

Maddy Gardow wrote on Nov 25, 2020:

"Ray was the kindest man i?ve ever got the chance of meeting. He would always say hello sweetie everytime he saw me and then kiss my hand goodbye. He will forever be in my heart."

Ruth Shadow wrote on Nov 25, 2020:

"Ray was so very special. My sympathy to his family. I remember many fun times as he was "fixing" his tractors and dancing to Pike's Silver Kings. "