Ray J. Entringer, 89, of Colman, S.D., passed away Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, at the Dells Nursing & Rehab Center, four days shy of his 90th birthday. 

Ray was born Nov. 4, 1929, to Ray C. and Susie (Thill) Entringer. He graduated from Dell Rapids St. Mary’s High School in 1948. 

Ray married Grace Hansen on Jan. 24, 1951, in Dell Rapids. In 1952 they moved to a farm five miles north of Colman, S.D., where they farmed their entire lives. In 1960 Ray was named Outstanding Young Farmer of Moody County. Ray was clerk of Jefferson Township for 43 years. 

He loved baseball and played for many years and loved watching his grandkids play. After retirement, Ray enjoyed growing watermelon, cantaloupe, squash and raspberries. He also became known as the “Tin Man,” making around 750 tin men. Ray was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Ray is survived by his wife of 68 years, Grace; five children: Pat (Roger) Nelson, Lake Norden; Pete (Julie) Entringer, Colman; Carol Tjarks, Flandreau; Sandi (Mike) Lovro and Doug Entringer, both of Colman; daughter-in-law Pat Entringer, Colman; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, one son Mike, a daughter-in-law Sandy, one brother and two sisters.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, at St. Peter Catholic Church, Colman, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday at St. Peter Catholic Church with a 6 p.m. Scripture service. For online condolences, visit www.skrochfc.com.