Ray W Magstadt

Ray William Magstadt, age 75 of Elk Point, SD passed away peacefully on August 31st, 2025, at his home surrounded by family ending his courageous battle with brain cancer.

Ray was born on August 9, 1950, to Elmer and Ethel Magstadt in Yankton, SD. Ray grew up on a farm outside of Scotland, SD and graduated from Scotland High School. Ray then went on to attend and graduate from Southern State / USD-S. Ray began his career as a teacher, transitioning into sales, operations management, and quality management. Finally retiring in 2013.

Ray was united in marriage to his life long love, Kathy Baker, on November 2, 1974. They celebrated over 50 years of marriage together. They were blessed with two sons, Damon Magstadt in 1976 and Carson Magstadt in 1981 and a grandson Carter Magstadt in 2006.

Ray loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed camping, spending time in Okoboji, and stays at their river cabin. He was a life long Atlanta Braves fan and always up for talking baseball. Ray and his boys loved traveling to different ball parks to see the Braves play. Ray enjoyed playing cards and never passed on an opportunity to play a game of Pinochle. Ray loved his dog Blue who was always by his side.

Ray was hard working and dedicated in everything he did, but the duties he held the most sacred were those as a husband, dad, and grandpa. His family always came first and he spent a life time giving them unconditional love and support.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Ethel Magstadt. His sister Lois Jerke. His father and mother in law, Glen and Joy Baker and sister in law Bev Baker.

Ray is survived by his wife Kathy Magstadt of Elk Point, SD. Sons Damon (Sara) Magstadt of Elk Point, SD and Carson Magstadt of Jefferson, SD. Grandson Carter Magstadt of Elk Point, SD. Brother Rick (Sharon) Magstadt of St. Paul, MN. Sister in laws Karen (Steve) Dreke and Kaye Shanbeck of State Center, IA. Brother in law Harlen (Linda) Jerke of Great Bend, KS. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Ray appreciated all of the work that the Elk Point Pink Ladies did for him and other local families fighting cancer. In honor of that, memorials will be donated to the Elk Point Pink Ladies in an effort to help them continue their mission.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday September 13th at 11am at United Parish Church in Elk Point, SD. Arrangements are being handled by Kober Funeral Home Elk Point, SD.