Raymond H. Renstrom

1936 - 2026

Raymond H. Renstrom, 89, of Cambridge, MN, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his farm in rural Hinckley.

He was born on October 11, 1936, to John and Mathilda (Jensen) Renstrom. Ray was raised in Mora, attended and graduated from Mora High School in 1954. He later pursued a degree from the University of Minnesota, which set him on the path to a successful career in engineering. Ray began his career at Blawnox Milk Distribution, with time spent working in their New York location. Returning to Minnesota, Ray moved on to work at CE Rogers in Mora before settling into his role at RTD Companies in Cambridge, where he would remain for 17 years until retiring in 1997. Dedicated to serving his community, Ray was involved in various organizations, including Toastmasters for 10 years. Ray also drove for the Heartland Express and taught 55 Alive classes through community education for 24 years.

Ray was a devout member of First Baptist Church in Cambridge, where he served as an usher and was actively involved in the Boys Brigade for many years. As a Gideon, he was passionate about sharing the Word of God with the world. Throughout his life, Ray remained intellectually curious and devoted to his faith. He enjoyed reading Louis L'Amour novels, absorbing historical accounts of WW1 and WW2, and local history from the Kanabec and Isanti County families. Ray's love of machinery manifested itself in his vast collection of machinery manuals which he tended to read cover to cover. He was known for his analytical mind and his love of sharing, in detail, the great knowledge he found such joy from.

Quality time with friends over coffee at Herman's Bakery and McDonald's was a highlight of his days. Ray found solace in playing Solitaire, word finds, and basking in the beauty of his hunting land in Hinckley since 1964. Many of his favorite days were filled with appreciating the view of the fields and creek from his second home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters-in-law, Denise Renstrom and Karen Renstrom; siblings, Marie Anderson, Lloyd Renstrom, Gloria Soderstrom, Esther Mueller, and Patty Larsen.

Ray will be deeply missed by his wife of 65 years, Lila; son, Michael Renstrom (Marla Maurer); daughters, Sharlyn Schedlbauer (Morey Borchardt), Rebecca (Ryan) Nelson; grandchildren, Kendra (Cody) Trenary, Sam Raymakers (Mandy Reuter), Kelsi (Dan) Poster, Brittney Raymakers, Jacob (Kaiya) Nelson, AnnaGrace Nelson, AJ Nelson; great-grandchildren, Addi Thomas, Landon Thomas, Odin and Aksel Poster, Lainey Lynne Raymakers; sister, Edna McLain; sisters-in-law, Yvonne (Jack) Quiggle, Arlene (Gary Greenwald) Gabrielson; brother-in-law, Loren Nelson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Service 11AM, Friday, February 13, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Cambridge. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Private interment in Isanti Union Cemetery. Condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com Arrangements by Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.