Ray Van Slyke Obituary
Ray Leland Van Slyke was born January 7, 1926, in Valley County, Nebraska to Floyd L. and Elvina (Thomsen) Van Slyke. He was raised on the family farm in Valley County, near Ord where he received his early education and graduated from Ord High School in 1944.
As a young man, Ray worked on the family farm. Ray and Delores "Dody" Williams were united in marriage on September 28, 1952, at North Loup, Nebraska. The couple resided in Scotia and were blessed with two sons, Rod and Mitch. In their later years, Ray and Dody made their home in Grand Island.
In 1959, Ray and Vic Wegner went into partnership together and formed the John Deere Implement Dealership, "Wegner & Van Slyke Implement". Ray retired in 1989.
During his retirement years, Ray enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman; loved to fish and collect toy tractors and marbles.
He was a member of the Scotia United Methodist Church and Ord Elks Lodge and served on the Scotia Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dody of Grand Island; two sons and daughters-in-law, Rod and Raylene of Wahoo and Mitch and Susan of Pacific Junction, Iowa; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Laura Ann Merritt of Oregon City, Oregon.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mr. Van Slyke's wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Scotia Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department and the Scotia Service Club.
Condolences may be sent to Dody Van Slyke, 3990 West Capital Avenue, Apt #104, Grand Island, Nebraska 68803.
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1005 North 28th Street P.O. Box 230, Northwest Hwy 11, Ord, NE 68862
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