PIERRE, SD – Raymond William Neuhauser was born on August 31, 1930 to Reuben and Bertha (Boysen) Neuhauser. The sixth of seven children, he undoubtedly had many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and learn to work alongside his family. A natural horseman, tall and strong for his age as a young man, he often worked for neighbors trailing herds of wild horses to the Midland train depot. Over 100 miles round trip from the Ranch, neighbors would seek out his service. This love of horses extended throughout his life, and a visit with him in his older age would reveal any number of details about his favorite horses and how they handled.

Ray graduated from high school in Pierre in 1948. He met Velva Weidenbach and they were married in 1951. Speaking of wild horses, Ray and Velva raised four “extremely spirited” sons on the Ranch. It is said that Ray went gray at an early age, which may be related to the aforementioned sons. Ray and Velva enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and socializing with great friends. Many laughs have been had over the years, recounting weekend outings with the Mortensons or with Bob and Ruth Neuhauser and all the cousins. Raymond served for many years as a board member of the Pierre Farmers Elevator and was a member of the national Cenex Harvest States Board for many years. Ray’s involvement with Pioneer/GTA seeds and the Masonic Lodge allowed he and Velva to travel often, which they both enjoyed. After Velva passed away in 1999, Ray married Nancy Stirling and they made their home on the ranch briefly and then in Pierre. Living in town and adjusting to retired life was difficult for Ray at first, but he found friends at the Senior Center with whom to have lunch and play cards, two of his favorite things. Eventually, Ray and Nancy moved into the Good Samaritan Assisted Living and Nursing home in Miller. Ray received excellent care there, surviving Nancy, who passed away on Christmas Day of 2022.

Ray is survived by three sons; Randy (Leanne) Neuhauser of Midland, SD; Clayton (Mary Thomas) Neuhauser of Spokane, WA; and Craig Neuhauser of Pierre, SD. Nine grandchildren; Scott (Corry) Neuhauser, Lori Neuhauser, Jennifer (Ross)Tschetter, Chelsea (Mike) Hoy, Justin (Sarah) Neuhauser, Jessica Neuhauser, William (Tina) Neuhauser, Luke Neuhauser, and Dylan Neuhauser, and several great-grandchildren. In addition to Velva and Nancy, preceding Ray in death are his parents, his siblings, and one son, Darwin Neuhauser.

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