Raymond Lee Bleeker, age 88, of Mitchell, SD died Sunday, February 3, 2019 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 9, 2019 at First Reformed Church in Mitchell, SD with a private burial at Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at First Reformed Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel.

Raymond Lee Bleeker, born May 12, 1930 to Neil & Minnie (Meyer) Bleeker at Castlewood, SD, being the youngest of 10 children. He attended country school at Hamlin through the eighth grade and graduated from Castlewood High School in 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1951 during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at the San Diego Training Station until he received his honorable discharge in June 1955. Upon completion of the military service he enrolled at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, where he completed his BA in Math and MS in Administration.

He began his teaching career at Pipestone High School in the fall of 1958, where he taught Algebra & Geometry for 36 years, retiring in 1994 from the teaching position but continued to work as Athletic Equipment Manager until 2004. During the summer months Ray worked for Dawson Insurance for many years adjusting hail claims.

He was united in marriage with Berdene B. TeKrony at the Bemis CRC on Oct. 23, 1952 and they lived in San Diego, CA, Brookings, SD and then made their home in Pipestone MN for 52 years. During this time in Pipestone, Ray and his family attended the Pipestone Christian Reformed Church, where he served as Deacon and Elder, and taught Catechism for many years. In Sept. 2010 they moved to Mitchell, SD to be near their son and his family.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Berdene, Mitchell, SD; two sons: Gregg A. (Janet) Bleeker, Mitchell, SD; Bruce D. (Brenda) Bleeker, Shakopee, MN; four grandchildren: Nathan D. Bleeker, Harrisburg, SD; Nicholas P. (Joni) Bleeker, Shakopee, MN; Adam R. (Brooke) Bleeker, Sioux Falls, SD; and Ellie J. Bleeker, Mitchell, SD; five great-children, Aidan, Audrey, Ethan, Natalie, and Kaiser. Several nieces & nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, seven brothers; William, Bernard, Vern, Eldon, Richard, Ralph & Edward; two sisters. Florence & Eleanor.