Ray Efta
Raymond Efta of Greenbush, MN passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial for Raymond will be held 1:30 PM on Monday, September 11, 2023 at St.
Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Craig Vasek officiating. Burial will be held at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 10, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church starting at 2:00 PM and a prayer service at 4:00 PM with a Rosary to follow and also one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.
Raymond Severn Efta was born February 25, 1927 in Barto Township, Roseau County near Greenbush, MN son of Joseph B. and Victoria (Blawat) Efta. At the age of 2 his parents moved to Wibaux, MT where he resided seven years before returning to the farm where he was born. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Ray continued to make this his home after high school graduation in 1944.
On June 30, 1953 Raymond married June Szymanski at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN. He farmed alongside his father until 1960 when he began a small grain, dairy and beef operation. The young couple raised 8 children on the farm with Ray providing for them and working together as a family. Many memories of working together on the farm and on equipment, picking blueberries and hauling milk to town will be cherished. Raymond was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush as well as a past member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in rural Leo, a charter member and volunteer in the Knights of Columbus Council #5102 in Greenbush, MN. Just one day shy of St. Raymond Nonnatus Feast Day, the patron St. of Child Birth and the Christian Family Life and children, Raymond passed away on August 30, 2023 following a brief illness in the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN. Raymond will be remembered as a quiet, kind and gentle spirit; a faithful and peaceful soul. He was patient and care giving, a great guy, never the loudest voice in the room except maybe if the subject was water, ditching, rocks or gravel at the township level. Raymond respected the stewardship of his land and his resources. At any rate he was honorable, just, and authentic. He worked hard and cleaned up pretty good in his suit.
Raymond is survived by his son Robert (Marsha) Efta of Crookston, MN, daughters Patricia Efta (Hank Tiber) of Minnetonka, MN, Julie Efta of Roseville, MN, Jacqueline Demes of Naples FL, Elizabeth (Eric) Klein of Roseau, MN, Kathleen (Todd) Kohner of Edina, MN and Laurie (Carl) Aust of Minnetonka, MN; grandchildren Rachel Efta (Charles David), Nathan (Kacie) Efta, Genevieve, and Eleanor Viner, Nicholas, Anastasia, Natalie, and Christina Demes, Bennett and Mitchell Klein, Ellie and Grant Kohner; great-grandchildren Leo Abram, AnnieMae, Maria and Baby Efta; sister Theresa Vatthauer; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Raymond is preceded in death by his wife June of 61 years, parents Josesph B. and Victoria Efta; son Charles Efta; brothers Louis (Clara) Efta, James G. (Bernice) Efta and Edward (Leona) Efta; sister Irene (James) Walter; nephews John B. Efta, Lou Efta, Patrick Efta; special cousin Tony Efta.