Raymond (Ray) Earl Dykhuizen, 77, died Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (the day after his 52nd wedding anniversary), while under hospice care at Quiet Oaks, St. Cloud, MN.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his sisters, Joyce Rantasha and Rachel (Leo) Volkmann, and his sister-in-law, Donna Dykhuizen, also nieces, nephews, extended family and many loving friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother, Duane, and brother-in-law, Al Rantasha.
Ray was born November 17, 1947, to Gerrit and Rosalie (Klemz) Dykhuizen. His mother described him as a happy baby and he displayed that positive attitude throughout his life. He grew up on the family farm near Silver Creek, Minn. Many types of seeds were planted in those early years–literal, musical, and spiritual.
Since his mother taught piano lessons, Ray heard music around him often. He learned to play the piano, organ and accordion, even making up little tunes of his own. A spiritual foundation was laid through regular family Bible reading after each evening meal. Also his Grandpa Robert Klemz made Bible study a priority. Ray took to heart these family examples. He greatly valued the Bible and came to see the benefits of using God’s Word as a guide in all aspects of his life.
Ray began his secular education in Silver Creek’s two-room schoolhouse. After sixth grade, he attended school in Annandale, graduating in 1965. He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1969 and taught science classes in Randall and Anoka. Ray often remarked that in college he learned WHAT to teach. However, by subsequently making a personal study of the Bible and by applying its principles, he learned HOW to teach.
In 1972, Ray began working as a male orderly at St. Cloud Manor nursing home. He continued there for 42 years in a variety of other positions. In addition, Ray drove an airport shuttle for Executive Express for many years. More recently his part-time work as an income tax preparer became his year-round business.
Ray was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses April 8, 1972. He had the pleasure of helping others learn some of the Bible truths he’d made such an important part of his own life, volunteering many hours in that kind of teaching. He served as an elder with the Annandale congregation for over 40 years. He also deeply appreciated the privilege of giving Bible talks showing how God’s wisdom is evident in creation.
Ray will be remembered as a loving husband and a caring spiritual shepherd to his family and congregation. His wife and family thank all who were involved in his care:
Coborn Cancer Center, St. Cloud
The palliative care workers at the Eisenberg Building, Rochester
The St. Croix Hospice Team
The staff at CURA of Monticello
And all the staff and volunteers at Quiet Oaks Hospice House, St. Cloud
The funeral talk will be May 31 at the Annandale Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 2 p.m.