Raymond H. Seaton, age 85, died July 16, 2005.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Amy; and brothers: Noel and Robert Seaton. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine M. Seaton; son, Dean Seaton and daughter-in-law Rita Schaefer-Seaton.

Ray was born Dec. 4, 1919, in Albert Lea. After the death of his mother in 1929, Ray made his home with his grandmother Mrs. S.A. (Mary) Beach and his aunt Alberta Beach Wosilait. Ray graduated from Alden High School.

He enlisted in the National Guard of Albert Lea on Aug. 1, 1940, Company B, and went into active service on Feb. 10, 1941. He was stationed at Camp Claiborne, La., and shipped out for overseas on April 30, 1942. Ray was in the North Africa theatre of war and participated in battles at Tunisia, Naples and Foggia. He was wounded on March 29,1943, and received the Purple Heart Award. He was discharged from service on july 3, 1945.

Ray and Gerry purchased a farm near Geneva where they raised livestock and farmed the crop land. Ray got out of livestock and ventured into the raising of chickens. Ray worked at a number of different professions: welder, customer service at Kroger’s in Albert Lea, car sales in Blooming Prairie, and maintenance person at Prairie Manor Horne, Blooming Prairie.

Ray’s passion was woodworking. After his first heart attack he began building tables, roll-top desks, jewelry boxes and finally (26 ) grandfather clocks, He also made many assorted items for the Geneva Community Lutheran Church cancer auction.

The funeral service for Raymond H. Seaton will be held at the Community Lutheran Church in Geneva on Wednesday, July 20, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be one hour at the church before the service. Burial will take place at the Geneva Cemetery. Send all condolences to 4470 Lakeshore Ter., Eagan, MN, 55122. Bonnerup Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are preferred to Community Lutheran Church.