Raymond W. Terwilliger

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Terwilliger, Raymond W Creative and Gentle Soul Completed his life journey on Feb. 18, 2017, surrounded by family and loved ones. Born Sept. 1, 1924, in Parker, SD, he was the third of four children of James H. and Emma Terwilliger. Raymond married Georgia D. Wiedenman, on Sept. 19, 1944, in San Diego, CA, while he was serving with the U.S. Navy. Following the end of WWII, Georgia and Ray farmed for several years in South Dakota, then resettled in Minnesota in 1953, later building the family home near Savage. He worked for 27 years at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, retiring in 1982 as Building Superintendent. In 1982, he partnered with his son, Scott, in the founding of Sunray Wood Products, Inc. (later Sunray Custom Cabinets and Furniture). Ray's talents, curiosity, and keen eye for design kept him creating works of art well into his 90s. After his retirement, Ray spent his remaining years doing what mattered most to him spending time with family, and immersing himself in his many creative pursuits. He was an artist and crafts-person and we are blessed to be surrounded by his many pieces of art. Ray and Georgia enjoyed nearly 20 years sailing on Lake Pepin, but his greatest joy was time spent with family. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his inquisitive, creative mind, and his calm and caring presence. He has been a gift to his family, his friends, and to the world, and he will be sorely missed. He is at peace, and continues to bless our world with his spirit and his legacy. Predeceased by his wife, Georgia; his parents, and siblings, Doreen (Howard) Hanson and James (Jean) Terwilliger. Survived by his brother Gordon (Lieselotte) Terwilliger. He will be sorely missed by his children, Charlene (Cal) Hoe, Pamela (Sonny Haas) Terwilliger, and Scott (Peg) Terwilliger. He was immensely proud of his 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. A memorial service and celebration of Ray's life will be July 21, 2017, 2-7 p.m., at Cleary Lake Regional Park Pavilion, Prior Lake. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.

Published on February 26, 2017