"I first met Ray at an International Silo Association convention in 1977. My father, Bob White and his partner Bud Buschbom of Van Dale, Inc., had high regard for Ray and would have wonderful stories to share if they were still here. As a newbie to the silo industry, I admired the accomplishments of Ray and Jerry at Rochester Silos - they set the bar high and were great examples for all of us. My sincere condolences to the Price family. Rob White"
In loving memory of
Raymond Richard Price
February 15, 1939 - July 21, 2021
With great sorrow, we announce the death of Raymond "Ray" Price, 82, a longtime, well-loved Rochester resident. Ray passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident outside of Price, Utah.
Ray was born on February 15, 1939, to Chris and Martha Price in Thorp, Wisconsin. The eldest of four children, he is preceded in death by his parents and younger sister, Eileen DeVries. He is survived by his younger siblings, Rosalie and Gerald (Jerry) Price.
Ray graduated from Thorp High School in Thorp, Wisconsin, in 1957, after which time he served in the Army.
Ray mirrored his father's entrepreneurial talents and received a B.A. in Business from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1962. While in college, Ray's family moved to Rochester where he met Sandra "Sandy" Price (Eiffler). Sandy was a friend and Lourdes High School classmate of his younger sister, Rosalie, who introduced the pair in 1959. By the end of that summer, Ray knew he had found the love of his life. While in college, he and Sandy said "I do" on August 26, 1961. They shared nearly 55 years of marriage, memories, and love until her passing in 2016. They had three children: Kimberly, Bradley, and Gregory, and were blessed with three adoring grandchildren: Kyle, Jacy Nash, and Quinn.
Ray worked for his father's company, Rochester Silo, throughout his college years. Upon graduating, Ray became part owner in Rochester Silo (which produced the iconic gold and white roofed silos with a Rochester Silo weathervane) and helped build the company to become one of the nation's leading silo manufacturers. Ray, and his brother, Jerry, became co-owners after their father's passing in 1971 and grew the company to become the largest privately-owned silo manufacturer in the United States, the first silo manufacturer to penetrate the Soviet market in the early 1970s and the China market in the early 1980s. Ray participated in this firsthand by traveling behind the "iron curtain" and into China to personally facilitate many of these business ventures. In the 1980s, Ray and his brother successfully transformed the company's direction to produce the popular Rockwood retaining wall system. Ray was a businessman at heart and used his infectious personality, business intuition, and intellect to create investments and partnerships in various businesses throughout the greater Midwest including Rockwood Retaining Walls, AeroStar Custom Sleepers, Geneva Manufacturing, Dynamatic, Courtesy Ford in Thorp, Wisconsin, Price-Macemon, Orbital Ice, and Mack Truck of Rochester. Some of these collaborations provided him the opportunity to travel around the world and, more importantly, to build lifelong friendships.
Ray truly had a zest for life. A key fixture at The Rochester Golf and Country Club, Ray held the President's title in 1979. One of Ray's favorite places was the family cabin outside of Spooner, Wisconsin. Many special times were spent there with friends and family. It was a place he and his family cherished as recently as this summer. Ray also enjoyed traveling throughout the world for business and pleasure, and to find his wife the best medical care she could receive while making friends along the way. Some of his most talked about trips involved night golfing in Malaysia, glacier hiking in Alaska, taking his grandchildren to Disneyworld, exploring Australia, and cruising through the Panama Canal, just to name a few. While he loved traveling abroad, there was nothing more enjoyable to Ray than being on the open road (or trail) on his many "toys".
Ray took up snowmobiling in the early 1990s while in his 50s. He competed in numerous long-distance races including the prestigious I-500 as one of the oldest participants. As a member of the Byron Snow Bears, he cleaned up trails and planned adventures throughout the Midwest. Many of his younger snowmobile friends found it difficult to keep up with him, which he reveled in.
Ray never let age stop him from trying something new. He began riding three-wheel motorcycles (trikes) in his mid-70s and it soon became one of his greatest passions. He owned many interesting trikes including Spyders, a Stallion, and his beloved Harley-Davidsons. Ray was part of the local biking community, which aided him when his wife passed away in 2016. Channeling his love for his wife and love for the road, he went on many adventures across the country and shared many memories along the way. Ray was a proud member of the Iron Butt Association (IBA) which he gained by riding over 1,000 miles in 24 hours. He did this numerous times. With over 75,000 members, he was one of the 20 oldest members and completed his last certified ride at the age of 81.
In 2021, Ray set a lofty goal to touch all 48 contiguous states on a single ride. He set off in mid-July sending daily updates and photos to his family. Unfortunately, this was Ray's last ride. He perished doing what he loved. His glowing spirit, generosity, positivity, and love for life will never be forgotten.
Ray is survived by his brother, Gerald (Jerry) Price; sister, Rosalie Price; daughter, Kimberly Price; two sons and their spouses, Bradley and Kristiana Price, Gregory and Jessica Price; and 3 grandchildren, Kyle, Jacy Nash, and Quinn; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend his viewing and funeral services: The viewing will be held at 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Friday, August 6th, at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral home: 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 7th, at the Co-Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist (St. John's Catholic Church): 11 4th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN 55902. There will be a visitation at the church starting at 9:00 a.m. A luncheon at the church will immediately follow the funeral mass, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Price family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"I remember Ray from years ago when we were kids and my Dad, Tom Heath, ad Ray's Dad sold Freeport Silos, then Rochester Silos. He was a nice guy, fun and ambitious. RIP Ray. You led a good life. You deserve a rest.. Alta Heath Hutchens "
"My sympathy to the Price Family. Ray was (1) one of a kind. Always interesting conversations about his travels, etc. God Bless."
"My wife Julie and I have been on a few of Rays motorcycles adventures. Most recently this year?s 2 week journey down south to Texas and surrounding states . Always enjoyed talking to him and here his stories. We?re going to miss you Ray .Ride on forever "
"Condolences from Brad Hohle and family to Greg and all of the Price family. I'm sorry we never met Ray but his zest for life lives on through you. "
"Brian & I loved having Ray around and we rode many many miles around the country together. Ray was an all around great guy and we will miss him terribly. "
"I'm so sorry to hear this awful news. Ray was a treasure to work for. I will always remember his contagious smile. Prayers to you at this very difficult time. Vickie Kane"