Raymond F. Aufdenkampe, 99 years of age, and a resident of Brownhelm Township, passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021, at Kingston Residence of Vermilion, following a full and blessed life.
He was born May 11, 1922, in Westlake, Ohio where he was raised. Ray graduated from Westlake High School with the class of 1940. In 1946 Ray moved his family to Brownhelm Township at which time they founded their 100 acre fruit and vegetable farm.
As a young man, Ray was employed at Chandler-Fisher Stamp Company in Cleveland for two years before enlisting in the United States Coast Guard. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and was honorably discharged in 1945. Raymond was a co-owner of Aufdenkampe Brothers Farm for twenty-five years. He was a district representative for thirteen years with Thrivent Insurance Company, formerly AAL, where he received many awards. Following his retirement from Thrivent Insurance, he returned to farming with his son for an additional twenty- five years. Raymond was a former member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst where he served as an Elder, Usher, Greeter and also taught Bible Class and Sunday School. He was also an associate member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ft. Myers, Florida where he was a volunteer at ECHO (Educational Concerns Hunger Organization). He most recently was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermilion. Raymond along with his wife loved to travel and spend the winters at their home in Florida. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially football. Crossword puzzles were also a favorite pastime.
Survivors include his children, The Rev. Charles R. Aufdenkampe of Chicago, IL, Richard D. Aufdenkampe (Christine) of Vermilion, Bonnie Gohara (Sotaro) of Beaverton, OR, Sandra Dovala (Don) of Vermilion, and Susan Graham (Derrell) of New Albany, OH; seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of seventy-six years, Dorothy Martha Aufdenkampe (nee: Hagedorn) on October 4, 2020; his brother Robert Aufdenkampe; and his parents, Henry and Anna Aufdenkampe (nee: Heidbrink).
Memorial Services for Ray will be held on Thursday, Sept. 16th, 2021 at 11am. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3747 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion. All attendees are requested to mask and social distance during services. Rebroadcasting of services will be available at http://www.hempelfuneralhome.com/. Pastor Sarah E. Taylor, will officiate. Private burial will take place at Brownhelm Cemetery, Vermilion.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermilion.
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