Frederick Ray Wakefield

Frederick Ray Wakefield was born on October 19, 1909 to Frank and Margaret Alcorn Wakefield in Smallwood Township in Jasper County, Illinois. Ray moved to Motley, Minnesota in 1920 and then to the New Richland area in 1931. He married Marian McColley on October 24, 1935 at First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea. Ray was a founding member of the Minnesota Charolais Association and a life-long farmer. He enjoyed raising cattle with his father in Cass County as a youth, and continued with his own son in his later years. He was recognized by the New Richland FFA as an Honorary Chapter Farmer. Ray was an active member of First Congregational Church in New Richland. He enjoyed travel with his wife and visiting many countries. The couple wintered in Arizona, Texas and Florida. Survivors include his sons, Larry Joyce Wakefield of New Richland, Lowell Darlene Wakefield of Excelsior, and John Wakefield of Hanover; grandchildren, Kyle Emily Wakefield of Albert Lea, Travis Wakefield of Owatonna, Daniel Wakefield of New Richland, Susan Wakefield of St. Louis Park, Scott Lisa Wakefield of Mayer, Sara Wakefield of St. Louis Park, Aaron Mary Wakefield of Hanover, and Adam Amy Wakefield of Chanhassen; step grandchildren, Kim Eric Neubarth of St. Bonifacius, and Nicole Ryan Johnson of St. Bonifacius; great-grandchildren, Samara Wakefield-Wittman, Stella Wakefield, Veronica Wakefield-Young, Nicholas, Katherine and Adamson Wakefield; step great-grandchildren, Hunter Neubarth, Haley Neubarth, and Ashley Johnson; many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marian in 1999; son, James; sisters, Ethel Wagner, Gladys Tusler, and Agnes McColley; and brother, Merle Wakefield.