Raymond Poage

Raymond R. Poage, age 86 of Minnetonka and formerly of Willmar, passed away on Monday morning, June 1, at his daughter’s home in St. Bonifacius.

A Celebration of Ray's life will be from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, at the Lafayette Club, 2800 Northview Road, Minnetonka Beach, MN  55361.  A private interment will be at St. George's Catholic Cemetery in Long Lake.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.petersonbrohters.com

Raymond Roy Poage was born on January 3, 1934 in Omaha, Nebraska.  He grew up in Bellwood, Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he met Jeanne M. Moyer. They were married on April 15, 1954.  Ray graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1957 and began his career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a Sales Engineer.   The Poage family moved to Long Lake, MN., in 1964.  When snowmobiles were just becoming popular, Ray began working at Dayco Corporation in Minneapolis, managing sales in U.S. and Canada, initially selling to Bob Cat, the Iron Range mines and manufacturing companies.  In 1976, Ray began working as a Sales Manager for the South American division of Steiger Tractor (based in Fargo, ND).  After that he moved to Willmar, MN., when he was working for Willmar Manufacturing, a division of Cargill until 1991, when took a position at Gates Corporation (Denver, CO) until he retired in 2012.  Ray sold his house in Willmar a few years ago and moved to an apartment at Minnetonka Shores in Spring Park so he could be closer to his family.

Ray enjoyed great success in his Sales career, but it was his love of golf that kept him going. He’s made many wonderful, long-lasting friendships through both his work and golf connections.  Ray had a great sense of humor, was thoughtful and extremely generous.  He was a tower of strength, the pillar for our family and always there to help, no matter what the need. He will always be remembered.

He is survived by his sister, Joy Steward of Fullerton, CA, children Dr. John Poage (and Irina) of Maple Grove, Kathy (and Gaylen) Morse of St. Bonifacius; three grandchildren, Graham (and Kris), Taylor and Evan and three great grandchildren, Isabel, Harrison and June, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ruby, and wife Jeanne.