Raymond W. Stratton, age 71, of Buffalo, formerly of Howard Lake, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.

He was born Sept. 24, 1935 in Thief River Falls, Minn. to Jesse and Nellie (McCoy) Stratton.

He grew up in Bemidji, and served in the US Air Force from Nov. 18, 1953 to Oct. 11, 1957.

Upon his return to civilian life, Ray began farming, first in the Howard Lake area, and then in the Isanti region.

For 35 years, Raymond was employed by LeJeune Steel Co. in Minneapolis. He spent most of his time there as a painter, but retired from operating steel finishing equipment in the late ‘90s.

Not one to sit around, Ray began painting for friend Dan Lewerke.

He enjoyed making crafts, fishing, going to fairs (especially tractor pull exhibits), watching classic Western movies, listening to country music, and being outdoors. He loved animals (especially his pets), but his pride and joy was his garden.

Raymond is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Barb; son Dennis (Laura) Stratton of Pine River; daughters Audrey Stratton, and Mary (special friend Tim Howe) Stratton, all of Buffalo, and Tammy (Adam) Tuchtenhagen of Watkins; brothers Joe Stratton of Bemidji, and Don (Lois) Stratton of Arden Hills; sisters Agnes Kujanson of Thief River Falls, Hazel Samson of St. Paul, Violet (Glen) Norberg of Spring Lake Park, and Vivian Keil of Washington; and grandchildren Jody Stratton, and Emily and Molly Tuchtenhagen, all of Watkins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Herman, Virgil, Chester, Eddie, and Gilbert; sisters Lillian, and Rachel; and infant sisters Elizabeth and Leona.

Funeral services were Friday, Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. at Buffalo Covenant Church, with the Rev. Carl Taylor officiating. The organist was Karin Wickman, and the soloist was Dan Wickman. Interment was in Swedish Mission Covenant Cemetery.

Visitation was Thursday, Feb. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service; and continued Friday at the church, for one hour before the funeral service.

The casket bearers were Adam Tuchtenhagen, Craig Mead, Dan Lewerke, Bob Lindquist, Dennis Norman, and Dennis Stratton.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family.