Ray Rietmann

Ray Rietmann, age 92, of Grants Pass, died Friday, May 9, 2014 at Autumn House.

Ray was born May 9, 1922 in Zumbrota, Minnesota to Frances & Ed Rietmann. During his childhood he worked on the family farm and helped take care of his 13 brothers and sisters until 1948 when he traveled to Oregon seeking employment with his uncles. While attending a dance in Camas Valley, he met Ann Mode. After their marriage in 1948 they spent the next 65 years together.

Their first son, Steve, arrived in 1949. Ray worked in the construction industry mostly in the Douglas County area. 1953 was a big year for Ray and Ann, as they purchased their first home in Sutherlin and welcomed their 2nd son, Rick. Birdie their first daughter was born in 1954. Ray’s construction work continued for the next several years including Forest Service bridge work with R&M Construction and Ausland Construction.

Ray and Ann decided to raise their family in Grants Pass, so in 1959 they purchased property on Lonnon Road. Besides working on the South Grants Pass Exchange Ray and Ann built the “big house” which was completed just in time for their 2nd daughter, Kristi in 1963.

In 1968 Ray and his best friend, Riley Riggs purchased Quality Fence Company. After working there for 17 years, he got the motor home bug, sold the business to his oldest son, and began the “Snowbird” life.

After nearly 45 years on Lonnon Road, Ray and Ann sold the big house and moved to Allen Creek Estates where Ann continues to reside.

In addition to big game hunting, Ray enjoyed family camping, watching his son’s play sports, doing “projects”, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, card playing, and his dog, “Shotzy.”

Survivors include the love of his life for 65 years, Ann; their four children, Steve (Jan) of Medford, Oregon, Rick (Marilyn) of Boise, Idaho, Birdie (Mark) Worley of Salem, Oregon, and Kristi (Rick) Dolmage of Medford, Oregon; 5 sisters; 2 brothers; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors with Pastor Steve Hamilton officiating. Private interment will be at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens.

Remembrances may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1650 NW Naito Parkway Suite 190, Portland, Oregon 97209.

The family would like to thank Autumn House and their staff for their tender care and service.