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Raymond Olmstead Obituary

Olmstead, Raymond Age 71, Passed away of a stroke on Saturday June 14, 2008 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Born December 26, 1936 in Toledo, Illinois. Mr. Olmstead is the son of William E.M. and Sylvia M. Olmstead. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University where he met his wife Eleanor Hutson Olmstead. They started their careers as music educators in Altamont, Illinois, moved to Mattoon Illinois, where Mr. Olmstead took a position with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1981, Raymond and Eleanor moved to St. Paul, Minnesota and Raymond became the General Agent of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in the St. Paul Office. He retired in 1993. Survived by Eleanor A. Hutson Olmstead, wife of 48 years, son Brent Olmstead (Beth), daughters Robin Olmstead McGuire (Michael) and Laurie McFaul (Brad) and 7 grandchildren Vivian, Robert and William Olmstead, Maeve and Miles McGuire, Alexander and Evan McFaul. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Richard Olmstead of El Paso, TX and William E. Olmstead (Lola) of Rockford IL, and 3 sisters Mildred Culver of El Paso, TX, Norma Stuart (Roy) of New Lenox, IL and Wanda Martin of Bloomington, IL. Service 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave, Minneapolis. Visitation at church 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. A second visitation and service will then take place at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, Mattoon, IL on Friday, June 20th and Mr. Olmstead will be buried in a family cemetery in Hidalgo, Illinois. 651-228-1006



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Published by Pioneer Press on Jun. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Olmstead

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judith dunbar hines

July 2, 2008

Dear Mrs. Olmstead - There are so many memories for me of the two of you and the music department at ACHS. But the one I think of most fondly, like it was yesterday, was when you both played for my wedding at St. Peter. Those good memories of MANY piano adventures and chorus and band will be with us always. my best,
Judith Dunbar Hines

Kathy (Schaal) Gray

July 1, 2008

Dear Mrs. Olmstead, I was so saddened when I read in the paper that Mr. Olmstead died. You both had such a positive impact on me in my high school days at ACHS. I loved band with your husband and choir with you! That was many years and another career ago for you, but I wanted to thank you for touching my life. I wish you God's peace and comfort now and in the days ahead as you mourn the loss of your husband. My sympathy to you, Kathy

Karen (Honn) Bolin

June 25, 2008

Dear Eleanor, I was so saddened to learn of Ray's passing. I remember him as a happy and always smiling member of the EIU band; that seems so long ago. I regret I didn't learn soon enough to be at the funeral to express my condolences in person but please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your classmate and friend,

Sue/Donn Barber

June 24, 2008

Eleanor, Please know that we are thinking of you and your family and thankful knowing that Ray is now at peace with our dear Lord Jesus. We also thank God for the wonderful memories of when we all would go on those MM trips and laugh and have fun together. Ray was such a precious sensitive man and we both had so much respect and admiration for him. God will help you and comfort you because of your strong faith. We will continue to pray for all of you. God Bless and remember we love you.

Ann Huelskoetter

June 23, 2008

Dear Eleanor&Family,
We are so sorry about Ray. We regret that we were not able to attend the funeral as Doc works full time.
Doc has very fond memories of your time in Altamont as you were such assets to the school and the community. We recall the time we attended your church and were treated to lunch.
You have our sympathy and prayers.
God's blessings,
Doc&Ann Huelskoetter

Virginia Schumacher

June 22, 2008

Dear Eleanor: So sorry to hear about Ray. I know what you are going through-don't know if you are aware that I lost Forrest 9/ll/07. My sympathy to you and your family. Your name(s) are still mentioned often in our church, especially among the choir members. God Bless and Love, Virginia Schumacher

Chris Hutchcraft

June 21, 2008

Robin and Family,

I am sorry to learn of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Fern Hunt

June 20, 2008

Elie: So sorry to hear about Ray. Have been thinking of you so much. Believe me I can tell you I know what you have a head of you. May God be with you. Call me some time if you need to talk. Love Fern

Jeff, Janet, Jessi, & Jeb Vanatta

June 20, 2008

Eleanor, our thoughts and especially our prayers are with you and the family this week.

Alice [Zimmermen]McCash

June 20, 2008

Mrs. Olmstead: Such sad news. Your family has been in my thoughts so often over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you now. I still play and think of the lessons and skills you gave me. Thank you and God bless.

Lenora Harmon

June 20, 2008

Mrs. Olmstead & family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers @ this time. Our folks', (Fred & Lois Thomas, of Greenup) thought of him as part of our family, not an ins. agent. They always spoke of Ray with admiration & trust.
May God Bless.
Lenora (Thomas) Harmon & Laurie Thomas

Brenda (Homann) Hammer

June 19, 2008

Brent and family,
I am sorry to hear about your father. God be with you and your family during this time of grief.

Gayla Dickmann Westbrook

June 19, 2008

Mrs. Olmstead - My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Some of my fondest memories are of being in band, stage band, and chorus with both you and Mr. Olmstead in the Altamont School District.

Albert, Marcella Zimmerman

June 19, 2008

Eleanor: Sad news in the paper this morning. It brings back memories of the good times in the school and church activities in Altamont. Our sincere prayers and sympathy are with you.

Virginia (McCarty) Swope (Class of '65)

June 19, 2008

I fondly remember both of you from years ago at ACHS. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Nancy Dickmann Winter

June 19, 2008

To the Olmstead family, Our sympathy to all of you on the loss of your dear husband and Dad. He was a dedicated, inspiring band director at Altamont. I truly enjoyed and learned from his leadership.

Raymond Olmstead

June 19, 2008

Jean Merry

June 18, 2008

It has been many years but still remember you and Raymond. Have wondered about you both. My deepest sympathy is with you at this time.

Connie (Homann) Harter

June 18, 2008

Dear Olmstead Family,
Was so sorry to hear the news. We
always had good visits when Ray and
Brent were here. The flute and the
French horn are still with me!! You
are in our thoughts and prayers during this SAD time...

Ron and Sara Phillips

June 18, 2008

Eleanor,
We are saddened to hear of Ray's passing. We are losing too many of the people that taught at Altamont.

Ron and Sara Phillips

Viky Turner

June 18, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Remember God has a plan and a bigger smile now that Raymond is with him in paradise.

Dianne Purdy

June 18, 2008

Ellie and Family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts in prayers. May you gain strength and healing at this time from your many good memories of him. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Opal Kunz

June 17, 2008

Eleanor,
I just heard of Raymond's death. Please accept our sincere sympathy. May your faith help you in the lonely days ahead.
Opal and Gary Kunz

Jeanette Pickel

June 17, 2008

El, Robin, Laurie, Brent and family - I am so sorry to hear about Ray. He had such an amazing sparkle in his eye. Please know that you are all in my thoughts as you go through this difficult time. If you need anything, please call. Love always, 'Nette

Linda Ladley

June 17, 2008

Eleanor,
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Please know that you will be in my thoughts. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Brian & Mary Maiers

June 17, 2008

We are sorry to hear about your loss. Our sympathy and prayers go out to your family.

Pam (McGuire) Parent

June 17, 2008

Ray's passing has, I know, left you with a great sense of loss...greater than any of us will be able to fathom. As your heart reflects on so many fabulous memories over the past years you have cherished together, hopefully the warmth of those good times will help you deal with this difficult time.
I just feel very privileged to have known him and been a part of your "extended" family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Walt Steesy

June 16, 2008

We share the loss of Ray as a member of our greater Olmstead family.

Genealogist, Olmste(a)d Family

Cindy Hanson

June 16, 2008

I am so very sorry to hear of the loss to your family. It was a pleasure working with Ray at MassMutual. He was always such a cheerful and positive individual. I have wonderful memories of Ray and the entire Olmstead family. You are in my prayers.

Patti Dillon

June 16, 2008

My heart is saddened for your loss. I treasure the generosity and friendship received from Ray and his family during the years I worked at MassMutual. May you be comforted by the love and support of family and friends during this difficult time.

Tom and LaRie McGuire

June 16, 2008

El, words can not express the measure of your loss. Our prayers are with you at this time. We were glad we were able to see both you and Ray over Mom's Day week-end.

John Crane

June 16, 2008

I always valued Ray's friendship and will remember him as energetic with a positive can-do attitude about everything. The friendship of he and his family were very meaningful and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to Eleanor and the entire family.
Sincere regards, John Crane

Pam Senstad

June 16, 2008

Ellie & Family,
I am thinking of you and praying for you. I can not imagine your pain. I will pray for your comfort and that your faith will provide the strength you need.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

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