Raymond Wynveen

Raymond John Wynveen, age 83 of Baldwin, passed away August 14, 2017, at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Raymond was born May 3, 1934 in Baldwin, and was the son of Marvin and Margaret (Landaal) Wynveen. He was a graduate of Baldwin High School Class of 1952. On October 2, 1959, he was united in marriage to Ardyth Marie Soule. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children, Sandy, Steve and Michele. Ray and Ardyth shared 37 years of marriage and many sweet memories, until her passing, February 12, 1996. Ray was later married to Mary Baker on August 3, 2008, sharing 9 years together.

Ray was known for his work ethic that contributed to his successful hog operation while simultaneously being employed at Baldwin Feed Mill. After his retirement, he continued to work selling seed to many local farmers. His compassionate, quiet, and respectful nature was evident throughout his life and while he conducted business.

He was a devoted husband, father, a loving son to his parents, and wonderful example to his grandchildren. Ray was a strong man of faith and had a personal relationship with Jesus. He was a man of principle and strong conviction. He shared his faith with his family and with others. Ray was very active in the First Reformed Church as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday school teacher, and member of many Bible study groups. He was an active member of the Gideon’s, participating with jail ministries and bible distribution for area nursing graduates. He not only enjoyed delivering seed, but enjoyed planting seeds of faith. Providing ministry to the elderly was important to him. He delivered Sunday service sermon recordings and bulletins to the Baldwin Care Center Residents each week.

Ray had a great love for music. He would have Ardyth sing and daughter, Michele play the organ during family gatherings. He loved being outside and was quite meticulous with his yard work and landscaping. He enjoyed the peacefulness of canoeing, biking with his family, and playing games on Sunday afternoons.

Ray will remain in the hearts of his wife, Mary Baker; children, Sandy (Kevin) Zimmerman, Steve (Suzanne) Wynveen, and Michele (David) Lee, all of Baldwin; grandchildren: Jared (Ada) Zimmerman of Maple Grove, MN, Taylor Zimmerman of Baldwin, Trevor Zimmerman of Baldwin, Alex (Andrew) Dittman of Baldwin, Samantha (fiance, Bryan Heilman) of Dublin, CA, Rebekah Wynveen of Baldwin, Rachael (Blake) Brenner of Ellsworth, Stephanie (fiance, Mitchell Pantzke) of Hudson, and Dawson Lee of Baldwin; great-grandchildren, Kinsley and Adeline Brenner and Rowan Dittman; siblings: Robert (Sylvia) Wynveen of Lockport, IL, Shelda (Jerry) Thompson of Baldwin, and Delores (Ken) Olsen of Urbana, MD; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ardyth; precious granddaughter, Kelsey Lee; parents, Marvin and Margaret Wynveen; and an infant brother.

Funeral services for Raymond Wynveen will take place 2:00 pm, Monday, August 21st at the First Reformed Church, 1120 Eleventh Ave., Baldwin, with Pastor Timothy Sluiter officiating. A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 pm Sunday, August 20th at the First Reformed Church, as well as one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment will take place at the Baldwin Cemetery. Pallbearers assisting with the services are grandsons: Jared Zimmerman, Taylor Zimmerman, Trevor Zimmerman, and Dawson Lee, nephews, Stewart Thompson and Terry Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are Ken Peterson, Jerry Thompson, Dave Niccum, Jim Rens, and Jim Doornink.v