Memorial services for Raymond K. Levine of Albert Lea will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Andrea Myers will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea area veterans organizations. Interment will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Mansfield. Friends may visit with family from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour before the service at the church.

Ray died peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 85 years old.

Raymond K. Levine was born on Feb. 4, 1928, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, the son of Adolf R. and Jemina A. (Anderson) Levine. He graduated from Kiester High School in 1945. In his senior year he was on the football team, which took the six-man state championship. Ray served his country in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1947, and later the Merchant Marines, receiving his honorable discharge in 1952. He was on the Army football team that was deemed National Service Champions in 1946.

On Nov. 21, 1953, he married Arlene Carlson, the love of his life, at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Mansfield. They would have celebrated 60 years together today.

Ray’s work had included some farming, working in the copper mines in Arizona and 33 years with Streater in Albert Lea, retiring as a foreman in the metal shop.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where he had served on the church council and as an usher. He was a member of the American Legion and a volunteer for Meals on the Go for more than 20 years.

A great sportsman, there wasn’t a sport Ray didn’t try. In addition to football in his early years, he had played fast-pitch softball and been inducted into the Freeborn County Hall of Fame. He was an avid bowler and golfer, making three hole-in-ones in his lifetime. He also enjoyed hunting, camping, woodworking and fishing. In addition to participating in sports and activities, Ray proudly cheered for his grandchildren at their many activities.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife, Arlene; his children Dean (Susan) Levine of Las Vegas, Dawn (George) Hersberger of Portland, Ore., Sharon (Steven) Overgaard of Albert Lea and Howard (Amy) Levine of Jewett, Ill.; grandchildren Stephanie (Erich) Neubert, Samantha Overgaard, Morgen Hersberger, Chris (Connie) Schelinder, Gabriella Zerrusen and McLain Levine; great-grandchildren Noah and Nyla Schelinder and Ahna and Oliver Neubert; brothers Paul Levine of Manchester, Harold (Juanita) Levine of Kiester, Roger (Janet) Levine of Albert Lea and Wayne (Mary) Levine of Owatonna; aunt, Judy Lura, of Mason City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Adolf and Jemina Levine; brother, Howard Levine; sisters-in-law Carol and Dora Levine; two nieces; and one nephew.

A job well done on a life well lived.