Raymond Carl Taus, the son of the late William and Katherina (Kasprick) Taus, was born on April 10, 1922 in Poplar Grove Township of Roseau County, Minnesota in the Benwood Community. He attended school and grew to manhood in the Benwood community and was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph's Catholic Church near his home. Raymond farmed and also engaged in sheep shearing throughout the area over the years. He was employed in Minneapolis for several years, and from 1968 until 1980, worked at Polaris Industries in Roseau. He operated a sawmill for many years. He was a life-long member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Benwood and the Knights of Columbus.

Raymond passed away unexpectedly at the Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls on Tuesday morning, October 30, 1990, at the age of 68 years, 6 months and 20 days.

He is survived by three brothers, LeRoy and Wilfred, both of Strathcona, and Herman, of Minneapolis; two sisters, Maryann Stinson, San Diego, CA and Leonella (Mrs. Phillip) Kotta, of Roseau; in addition to many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Victor; and five sisters, Anna, Clara, Gertrude, Sylvia and Elaine.

Funeral services for Raymond Taus were held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 2, 1990 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Benwood with Father Robert Bester offering the Mass. Burial was in St. Joseph's Catholic Church Cemetery with Collins Funeral Home of Middle River in charge of funeral arrangements. Those in attendance served as honorary bearers and pallbearers were David Taus, Lee Taus, Danny Kotta, James Taus, David Hanson, Russell Hanson, Charles Kaml and Jerry Stamper. Joy Gust was the organist also served a vocalist with Kathy Schafer, Altar boys were Jeremiah and Nicholas Gerdes, and the reader was Leonard Kotta. The Knights of Columbus participated in a prayer service held at 7:30 Thursday evening at the church in Benwood.

In Memory of "Ray Taus" - written by Delores Taus.
Dedicated to Raymond's family and many friends.

Raymond enjoyed entertaining his friends and family playing his harmonica at social and church gatherings in their homes, sometimes dancing and skipping along to one of the favorite "Oldies". He also enjoyed the "Polka Fests" ar Tabor, MN and the "Ball Rooms" in the Twin Cities, and at the "Eagles in Thief River Falls" where he was a member. Ray had a saw mill and did custom sawing of lumber for many years, he also custom sheared sheep and took part in Sheep Days in Greenbush showing his skill of shearing. He was a serious deer hunter and enjoyed hunting with family and fiends. He liked to take pictures of the wildlife on his land either with a camera or a movie camera. He was a proud man and loved life. Raymond is sadly missed by our family and when "Little Andy" asked "Where is that Uncle Raymond" we explained and he replied "He's up in the Sky with the Angels".