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Raymond George Mentele, 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 1, 2022.

A private family service was held.

Raymond was born on September 30, 1937 at the hospital in Canova, SD, to Frank and Marie (Tessman) Mentele. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Epiphany for 8 years, and graduated from Canova High School in 1955. Ray enlisted in the United States National Guard where he served from 1955-1957. He was called up to active duty with the United States Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma from September 1961-March 1962.

Raymond married Kathleen Lowe on September 16, 1961 on Mitchell, SD. Two children were born to this union, Susan (Neil) Anderson and Eric Mentele.

Ray was known for his love to work. After returning from his duty to his county, Ray worked at Hormel's for 17 years, until the plant closed in Mitchell. He then worked for Intercounty Electric and Black Hills Rural Electric, operating big machinery. Ray worked for the City of Mitchell for many years at the City Landfill, again operating large machinery. He also worked several years for the Mitchell Catholic Schools and Dakota Counseling Institute as a maintenance specialist. Ray drove truck for Commercial Asphalt for about 2 years as well.

In 1991 he purchased some vacant land on West Elm Street and began the process of building some apartment complexes for the retired generation. In additional to his "full time employment", he also managed and maintained these apartment complexes.

Ray married Alice (Heisinger) Tyler on July 21, 2001 in Mitchell. Together they built another rental property as well as purchased several rental homes, which they continued to manage and maintain.

Ray was an avid baseball fan, traveling several times to watch his favorite team, the Cleveland Indians.  He never waivered in his love for the Indians or the Cleveland Browns – which was a source of many 'bets' and good-natured ribbing with his friends and family.

Grateful for having shared Ray's life are his wife, Alice, his children; Susan (Neil) Anderson, Eric Mentele, grandchildren; Trevor (Jahnna) Anderson, Ethan Mentele, Ellie Mentele, great grandson; Ashton Anderson.  Step children; John (Amy) Tyler, Stephanie (Jim) Foster, Jason Tyler; step grandchildren, Faith, Lizzie, Jagger Tyler, Wyatt Haibeck and Hunter Tyler.  Siblings; Duane (Janice) Mentele, Eileen Toman, Donna Anderst, Bonnie (Dale) Rippentrop, many nieces and nephews as well as his many coffee buddies.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, sister, Elsie Ransom and brother in-law, Jack Toman.