Weenink, Raymond Garrett 1927-2023

WEENINK, HOVER, JOHNSON

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/26/2023 at 11:55:13

Raymond Weenink, 96, formerly of Akron, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in Hawarden, Iowa.

Raymond's family will be having private services at a later date. Burial will follow at Plymouth Presbyterian Church Cemetery in rural Le Mars, Iowa. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Akron, Iowa. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Raymond Garrett Weenink was born on March 8, 1927 to Clarence and Ethel (Hover) Weenink in Le Mars, Iowa. He attended Le Mars Community Schools and was drafted into the United States Army on May 18, 1945. He was stationed at Camp Livingston in Louisiana; while stationed there he was united in marriage to Ramona Johnson of Akron, Iowa on August 11, 1945. Shortly after, he was deployed to Italy for the remainder of WWII. He always said he got an ocean cruise, courtesy of Uncle Sam. He was honorably discharged on August 27, 1946 and returned to Le Mars where he and Ramona made their first home. Later they would move to rural Kingsley, Iowa to farm. They also lived in Tucson, Miami, and lastly, Coolidge, AZ. While in Arizona, Ray worked with his father at a car dealership and then worked for Safeway Stores where he was quickly promoted to store manager. They returned to rural Akron in 1969. They made their home on the Johnson family farm where Ray farmed and raised hogs. After Ramona passed away in 2018, Ray moved in with his daughter, Cherry, in Hawarden, Iowa.

Ray and Ramona were members of Wesley United Methodist Church in Akron and belonged to the Elks and Lions clubs in Arizona. Ray was also a member of the American Legion. He was proud to say that he voted a straight Republican ticket in every election. Ray enjoyed golfing, playing cards, gardening, and he loved dancing. Ray and Ramona had taken dancing lessons together and went to many, many dances over the years.

Ray is survived by his four children: Cherry Reece of Hawarden, Iowa, Pamela (Ken) Amick of Mesa, AZ, Deborah (Robin) Heeren of Akron, SD, and Scott (Kathy) Weenink of Akron, Iowa; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister: Fran (Russel) Kraus of Centennial, CO; sister in law, Elizabeth Oliphant of Cedar Rapids, IA; many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ramona; sons in law, Harlan Reece and Bob Brunke; and siblings: Russ Weenink, Ron Weenink, and Mary Vasa.

Source: Rexwinkel Funeral Home online obituary.