Raymond Ehrman

Raymond Reinhold Ehrman, 85, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on January 26, 2022.

Ray was born in Eureka, SD on July 30, 1936 to Fred and Margaret Ehrman. Ray grew up on a farm as one of eight children. He graduated from Eureka High School. After graduation, he stayed to assist on the family farm for two years. In 1960, he obtained a B.A with a major in Greek from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. He traveled throughout the U.S and Europe with the college choir. In 1964, he completed a Master of Divinity Degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA. During seminary, he spent two summers in the Badlands National Monument leading weekend services for tourists. He enjoyed meeting people from all over the U.S.

He served at Christ Lutheran Church in Alvord, IA from 1964 to 1969. During this time, he obtained his private pilot's license. Whenever he would see a clear blue sky, he would say “this would be a good day for flying”. In August of 1968, Ray married his wife Sharon of almost 54 years. They had two children, Justin and Lisa. Ray was in ministry for periods of time from 1964 to 1995 in Iowa and South Dakota in the Lutheran Clergy. Ray also served Salem, Unity and Hope Lutheran Churches in Freeman. Ray was also involved in multiple roles in the trucking industry and heating and air conditioning.

During ministry, Ray was asked to mediate farm disputes among his parishioners. This fueled a lifelong desire in Ray to understand and educate others on the issues faced by local farmers and its connection to the banking system. Ray was active with the NFO from 1974-1978. He spent considerable time researching, studying and consulting on various topics to include agriculture, governmental operations and monetary economics. Ray also had a love for music and learning. Ray was kind, gentle and humble. He lived a life driven by his personal morals and values.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, two-year old brother Elmer, his sister Irene, and brothers Ben (2020) and Harold (2021). He is survived by his wife Sharon, son Justin (Lisa), daughter Lisa, brothers Fred (Betty), Irvin (Mary), sister Janet Lustig, several nieces and nephews, grandchildren Katie (Joshua), Allison (Michael), Jenna (Daniel), Michael and eight great-grandchildren.

Private family services will take place at Heritage Funeral Home on Monday, January 31, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.

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