Raymond Redeen Herje

Herje, Raymond Redeen 85 years died at his home January 1, 2013, from complications of Parkinson's. Ray, son of Anders and Esther Herje, was born on March 21, 1927, on Staten Island, NY. His minister father later brought the family to Buffalo, Minnesota. After high school, Ray enlisted in the Navy serving until the end of the war in 1946. Upon his return, he earned a BA in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota and went on to Oberlin College where he received a master's degree, also in philosophy, specializing in the study of Soren Kierkegaard. Discovering and studying the philosophers was an all consuming passion and joy. Ray worked in several areas of social work, probation, and went on to a career as a Federal Probation Officer, known for dealing with his clients in a wise, kind and always respectful manner. Ray's gifts to those who knew him were many: his laughter, his "by the eye" carpentry skills, lake home hospitality, scone making, and his child-whisperer spell over children of all ages which instantly drew his own children as well as nieces, nephews, neighbors, and any five year old within earshot of his side. He teased teenagers mercilessly thus opening the door for conversations about life. He loved his children, calling each of them daily for decades enquiring, "How's your heart?" He delighted in his joyful marriage to Patty. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Gladys and Phyllis, and brother Sydney. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patty Angvik Herje, children: Stephen (Mike Richardson), Robb (Laurie), Brian, and Leslie, grandchildren: Corey Storbakken, Nicole, Nathan, and Samantha Herje, and former wife, Kathryn Leslie. Service 11 AM Saturday, January 5 at SPIRIT of ST. STEPHENS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY, 2201 First Avenue South, Minneapolis. There will be a gathering 4-7 PM with prayer service at 6 PM Friday, January 4 at THOMSON-DOGHERTY MANSION, 2535 Park Avenue, Minneapolis. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Ray lived with Parkinson's for over 10 years. We are grateful for the large village of family, friends, neighbors, medical and home caregivers who enjoyed his company and cared for him. If desired, donations may be made to Hope Community 611 Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, 55404 - http://www.hope-community.org/donate - The Salvation Army - : http://salvationarmynorth.org/community/twin-cities-metro/ or Struthers Parkinson's Center - : https://pnfoundation.parknicollet.com/SSLPage.aspx?pid=265&srcid=265 Historic Thomson-Dougherty 612-871-4407