Clifford Ray Rifenbark, 1930 - 2018

RIFENBARK, HENDERSON, LAUER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/1/2018 at 00:01:54

Sioux City Journal
20 March 2018

Roseburg, Ore., formerly Sioux City

Clifford Ray Rifenbark, 87, of Roseburg, Ore., formerly of Sioux City, passed away Friday, March 9, 2018.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at Redeemer’s Fellowship in Roseburg. The Rev. Steve Walker will officiate. Private cremation rites have been held. Private interment was held within the grounds of Roseburg Memorial Gardens.

Clifford was born March 17, 1930, in Sioux City, to Clarence Seward Rifenbark and Helen Marie Henderson. Ray graduated from Central High in 1948. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Ray received a Purple Heart and was honorably discharged as a PFC. He attended and graduated from the University of South Dakota, University of Nebraska and the U of O with a master's. Ray met and married his first wife, Patsy Lauer, in 1954.

Ray worked as a teacher, counselor, vice principal and principal. He retired after 30 years in 1988. He worked at Hawarden Grade School from 1955 to 1962, McKenzie High School from 1962 to 1967, Roseburg High School from 1968 to 1977, Joseph Lane Jr. High School from 1977 to 1978, Eastwood Elementary School from 1978 to 1984, and Green Elementary School from 1984 to 1988. Ray was a member of the Roseburg Elks Lodge. He married his second wife, Patti, in June 1999.

Survivors include his wife, Patti Rifenbark; daughter, Sue Rifenbark; son, Scott Rifenbark and wife, Nancy and their children, Kristi, Charlie and Joey; granddaughter, Marlo and husband Thomas O’Connor and their children, Emma Cole and Gracie O’Connor.

Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Patsy Rifenbark; son, Steven Rifenbark; and a grandson, Michael Rifenbark.

At the family’s request, contributions may be made in Ray’s memory to Saving Grace Adoption Center or Amedisys Hospice. The family would like to thank Ray’s nurse, Ruthie Greer.

Please visit www.wilsonschapeloftherosesfh.com to leave the family fond memories and condolences.