Ray Eugene Ewing

Ray, 97, passed away on Tuesday January 9, 2024 at the St. Johns Lutheran Community in Albert Lea.  Please join the family in remembering and honoring Ray’s life on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10am at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea.  The family invites guests to enjoy a brunch with pancakes and scrambled eggs during the celebration.

Ray was born on February 3, 1926 to Leonard “Earl” and Irene (Brower) Ewing in Webster City, Iowa.  As a young man, he enjoyed playing football, softball and basketball.  He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945, and after graduating he worked with his father driving trucks.  He moved to Albert Lea, where he met the one and only love of his life Janet Floyd through her twin sister JoAnn.  They were united in marriage on October 22, 1950. 

Ray enjoyed golfing, fishing, cards, and bowling.   Together with their three children they enjoyed family vacations, and upon retirement they did antiquing and winters in Rockport, Texas.  Ray was a compassionate caregiver to Janet until her death in January 2013.

Another love of his life was truck driving, working for Wilsons for over 33 years.  He enjoyed telling stories of driving a semi with a 50’ trailer to anyone who would listen.  He was also a Boy Scout leader for many years, and was proud when his boys became Eagle Scouts.  He loved to watch the Minnesota Twins, and even the re-runs.

His kids friends found out the more grief Ray gave them, he appreciated when it was given back.  They nicked-named him “Raving Ray”.

Ray is survived in death by his sons Gary (Cynthia) Ewing of Boise, Idaho, David (Sarah) Ewing of Suncity, Arizona, and daughter Caryl Ewing of Rochester, Minnesota.  He is also survived by a few nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife Janet, son-in-law Lee Alaspa, his parents and his siblings Esther, Elmer, Lloyd “Sparrow” and Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to St. John’s Woodlands, where Ray was a resident for the past 5 years.  He loved his everyday breakfast of pancakes and eggs, bingo, conversations, his routine, and all the wonderful staff and friends he was able to reconnect with, and new friends he met.  His drawers and closets were usually full of candy, and was known as the “Candy Man”

The family would also like to thank the staff at St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful support and care they provided for him and his family for the past two months.

A Big Thank You for his wonderful friend and neighbor Rick (Shelly) Harves for all his visits and being the best barber ever.  Another Big Thank You to Kristie Jordahl for stepping in and helping Caryl when she couldn’t get to Albert Lea, providing Christmas decorations, garlic toast, and visits.