Raymond “Ray” Ellis Svir passed on August 29, 2022 surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Ray was born September 24, 1927 to George and Emelia (Rushman) Svir in Barnett Township, Greenbush, MN. He grew to manhood on the family farm before meeting the girl of his dreams, Arlene Smith of Greenbush, MN and they were married on June 22, 1954.
Ray enjoyed his many jobs throughout the years, farming in Minnesota and Montana, lumberjacking at the Northwest Angle. In 1955, the couple moved to Two Harbors, MN where Ray worked the majority of his years for Reserve Mining. He retired in 1986.
Ray enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life and spent his retirement years making diamond willow chairs, canes, crosses, buggies, sleighs, and other wood treasures. Ray personally shared these beautiful items with friends and family.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Arlene; his two sons, Allan (Rene) Svir and Keith (Tammy) Svir; three grandchildren, Bobby (Shanna) Lancour, Carie Lancour, and Mitchell Svir; three great-grandchildren, Tanisha, Westen, and Cainen; two greatgreat-grandchildren, Josiah and Joseph; one brother, Richard Svir; one brother-in-law, Ted Smith; a sister-in-law, Marie Svir; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Margaret (Iver) Torfin, Carolyn (Sanford) Olson, Elvina (Duane) Whitlow, and Emilia (Larry) Bjerk; brother, Larry Svir; two infant brothers; and two sisters-in-law, Ruth Smith, and Rita Svir; and his father and mother-in-law, Theodore and Irene Smith. Ray’s family would also like to recognize his long-time friend and hunting buddy, Don Bergerson who preceded him in death, and his family, Rosemary, Sandra, Teresa and Tim.
The family would like to thank Essentia Hospice and Linda Schueler for the help they provided in making Ray comfortable at home.
Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the 11 AM funeral service on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors. Burial will be at a later date. To share your memories or condolences online please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
