Raymond V. "Ray" North

Raymond Verden North, lovingly known as Ray to family and friends, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, at the age of 91. Ray was born April 12, 1933, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to Verden and Velma (Wagner) North. He was baptized and confirmed in the First Baptist Church in Storm Lake and later became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Auburn, Nebraska.

Ray attended North Elementary School and graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1951. In February of 1953, Ray entered the Air Force and served his country with pride until his honorable discharge in February of 1957. After his discharge from the Air Force he moved to Auburn, Nebraska to work for Elliott Cleaners.

While working in Auburn, he met the love of his life, Marlene Lechliter. Ray and Marlene were united in marriage on May 17, 1958, at the Howe E.U.B. Church by the Reverend H.D. Keefer. They made their home in Auburn and were blessed with two children, Suzanne and James. In 1962, Ray and Marlene bought Davis Cleaners later to be known as the North Cleaners. Ray was an entrepreneur and expanded his dry-cleaning business to include rug distribution and cleaning to local businesses and carpet cleaning. He was proud of the business he built and worked hard until it was sold in 1994, to Dale and Suzzy Thomas. After selling his business, Ray worked for Kuhlman Construction, Auburn Public School’s Food Service, and Hemmingsen Funeral Home. He was never idle.

Ray was active in his community and church. He was a member of the Jaycees and served on the Jacee board, as well as on the boards of the Auburn Country Club, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Nemaha County Veterans, and the Nemaha County Museum. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 23. Ray belonged to a men’s card club known as “The Board Meeting” for many years.

Ray was an avid fisherman and spent many hours sharing and enjoying his hobby with family and friends. His greatest pleasure was being with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Papa Ray enjoyed playing cards with them, attending their activities and events, and sharing his love of ice cream.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Marlene, their two children Suzanne (Jerald) Whisler and James (Julie) North, cherished grandchildren Dan (LaNett) Whisler, Trent (Kayleigh) Whisler, Reese Whisler, Ruby Monfelt, Emalee North, and Macee North, his adored great-grandchildren Talan, Vada, Daphne, Elliott, and Charles, his loving sister Ruth Cope, and his sister-in-law Marna Conn, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Julia (Judy) Ogren, brothers-in-law Richard Cope, Wilmer (Will) Ogren, and Galen Conn.

Ray’s love, kindness, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A funeral service will be Thursday, March 20, 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Auburn. Burial will follow in Bedford Cemetery at Howe. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 5:00 to 7:00.

Memorials are suggested to Auburn First United Methodist Church, Auburn Rescue Squad, or Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.