Raymond George "Ray" Saffert, 81, of Rice Lake, died at home with his wife by his side on Saturday, October 22, 2022.

He was born into the lives of Frank and Frances (Oettinger) Saffert in Rice Lake on April 23, 1941, and was raised on the family farm.

Ray attended country school and then graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1960. He married Linda Wuethrich on June 4, 1966, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake. After selling their farm in Campia, they moved into their current home in 1974, where they raised their four children. Ray worked for the Brill Feed Mill for many years before beginning his twenty plus year career at Birchwood Manufacturing.

Ray loved the outdoors. Over the years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, riding ATV, and giving hay rides behind his "B" John Deere. He spent countless hours with his children during their time with their 4-H cattle projects, and loved going for drives with his wife, Linda. He also raised a productive garden, which blessed many friends and family with its abundance. His favorite holiday was Christmas, going above and beyond annually with decorating. Ray's many friends and acquaintances will miss his gentle, contented spirit, and the time socializing and having a cold one.

Ray leaves many memories with his wife, Linda; children: Brent (Toni) Saffert, Brenda (Trevor) Eytcheson, Bobbette (Doug) Arvold, and Beth (Jesse) Wulf; grandchildren: Marc Gonzalez, Heather Kendall, Luke Saffert, Tate (Meghan) Eytcheson, Rachel (Al) Adebo, Sarah Eytcheson, Seth Eytcheson, Colten Arvold, Hunter Arvold, and Gavin Johnson; 3 brothers: Johnny Saffert of Rice Lake, Bob (Lana) Saffert of Rice Lake and Paul (Marilyn) Saffert of Rice Lake; his sister, Cathy (friend, Bob) Smith of New Richmond; nieces, nephews, cousins, other friends and relatives. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Frances Saffert; brother, Dick (Shirley) Saffert and nephew, Rick Saffert.

There will be a gathering to honor Ray's life at the Rice Lake Moose Lodge on November 5, 2022, from 1-5 pm.

Last Update: Oct 25, 2022 12:44 pm CDT