In loving memory of

Raymond Gerald Beard
March 27, 1927 - December 15, 2020

Raymond Gerald Beard, age 93, of Rochester, Minnesota, died Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus, in Rochester, Minnesota.
Raymond Gerald Beard was born on March 27, 1927 in Sanish, North Dakota to parents Herman and Anna (Jensen) Beard. He grew up in Sanish, ND and entered the United States Navy during WWII at age 17. He graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Industrial Engineering and also met his future wife.

Raymond also served during the Korean War. He married Mary Kyllo on August 16, 1953 in McCanna, North Dakota. The couple moved to Clinton, Iowa where Raymond worked for Dupont. They later moved to Rochester in 1957 where he worked as an engineer and later as a programmer at IBM, retiring in 1987.

Raymond enjoyed wood carving and built several canoes and kayaks. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, and going up to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). He passed on the love of the BWCA and travel to his grandchildren. Raymond loved his cat George. He was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and was on the building committee. He had also served on the Board of Directors for Good Earth Village, a faith-based facility near Spring Valley, MN.

Raymond had a special love for Norway, the country of his Mother's birth. He and Mary traveled there extensively, reconnecting and forging forever relationships with family. Raymond mastered the art of Lefse making, a treat enjoyed by all.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Mary Beard; daughters, Sara (Robert) Revell of Blountstown, FL and Kirsten (David) Kimball of Eden Prairie, MN; four grandchildren: Bobby (Kristina) Revell, Jake Revell, Christopher Kimball and Nathan Kimball; two great-grandchildren, Ryder Revell and Turner Revell; sister, Ruth Drake of St. Paul, MN; brother, Richard (Coreen) Beard of Williston, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, Lillie, Sally, Ivy and Jody and five brothers, Walter, Art, Harold, Dutch and Donald.

Funeral services for immediate family only will be held at 1:00pm Monday, December 21, 2020. Those wishing to watch the service live may do so by accessing the following link. www.facebook.com/Ranfranzandvine/ The service will be available under the videos section for viewing at a later date. Interment with military honors will follow in Grandview Memorial Gardens, 1300 Marion Road SE, Rochester, MN.

Memorials are preferred to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Sunday School Program or Good Earth Village.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Beard family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Rita Black wrote on Dec 30, 2020:

"Sending love and prayers to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and joy in all the wonderful memories you created together over the years. And I know there are many! Blessings, peace and much love. Rita Black"

Karen Margitan wrote on Dec 21, 2020:

"Sending you our kind thoughts and prayers as you mourn Ray?s death. I worked with Ray at IBM in the late 1970?s and 1980?s. He was always cheerful, friendly and congenial, and shared many good tales with all who knew him! Wishing you peace as you grieve. Mike and Karen Margitan"

Gordon Ann’s Mary Revell wrote on Dec 20, 2020:

"So sorry for this time that you are going through . You have so many wonderful memories. Your family has had such a close family wonderful and special !! May these times hold you close as you walk through these days together, Ray was a great and wonderful man?? Much love to you all????????"

Janice Carr wrote on Dec 19, 2020:

"Mary and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Additionally. Mary, since I don't know otherwise how to contact you. I would like to take the opportunity for thanking you for being such an influence on me at Mayo epidemiology of what a strong accomplished woman should be."

Michael Beard wrote on Dec 18, 2020:

"Dear Aunt Mary, Kristen and Sarah....you are remembered in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I have many great memories of him like giving my dad and I a tour of the IBM facility in Rochester. He was a fantastic person and a true representative of the Beard Spirit. Michael J. Beard Venice, Florida"

Cindy Sheppard wrote on Dec 18, 2020:

"Sending big hugs and much love to you Mary, Sara, Kirsten & families. So many great memories hanging out at the Beard home in jr & sr high. Later chatting with Ray at Northgate Health Club and of course a lifetime of Gloria Dei memories. Keeping you all in my prayers - Ray, you will be missed by many!"

Kim and Jon White wrote on Dec 18, 2020:

"Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather. May you be comforted by fond memories of him."

Lori Lee wrote on Dec 17, 2020:

"I have fond memories of him. He was great man and loved his family deeply. I am sending love and prayers for the entire family. Lori Lee"

Dan Joslin wrote on Dec 17, 2020:

"Blessings to all the Family. Prayers for all of you as you deal with the difficult loss of Mr. Beard. What a wonderful life he and a Family."