Raymond Taphorn was born August 27, 1927 in Templeton, Iowa the son of John and Helen (Neu) Taphorn. As an infant, he was baptized and later received 1st communion and was confirmed into the Catholic faith.

Growing up, Ray attended school through the 8th grade at Odebolt. On September 30, 1946, Ray enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on June 3, 1947. In 1953, he moved to Ida Grove, Iowa and started farming on his own.

On June 2, 1956, Ray was united in marriage to Frances Quirin at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Together, they were blessed with two children: Allen and Keith.

Ray was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Ida Grove and later of the St. Mary’s Parish in Storm Lake. Ray served on the Ida Grove School Board for one term. He also belonged to the American Legion in Ida Grove and the Ida County Pork Producers.

In his spare time, Ray enjoyed raising cattle. Family was very important to Ray, and he enjoyed doing everything together with his wife, Frances. His children and grandchildren were extremely special to him and he treasured attending their activities. During his farming years, Ray enjoyed having coffee at H & W Feed Store in Ida Grove. Later in his life, Ray went for coffee at Hy-Vee in Storm Lake. He will be lovingly remembered as a father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Allen (Kris) Taphorn of Storm Lake, Iowa; Keith (Nancy) Taphorn of Aurora, Colorado; grandchildren: Erin (Dan) Nguyen; Collin Taphorn; Matthew and Carly Taphorn; siblings: Clara Siebenahler; Sister Janet Taphorn; Joan Smith; James (Joan) Taphorn; Lois (John) Galles; and Irene (Pete) Ruthmun; sister-in-law, Lois Taphorn; Charlotte Binder; Margaret Binder; brother-in-law, Ed (Charlene) Quirin; extended family and many friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Taphorn; wife, Frances; siblings: Robert Taphorn; Marian Roeder; Rita Schulte; brothers-in-law: Greg Siebenahler; Lee Smith; Urban Roeder; Leo Schulte; Floyd Binder; and Don Binder.