Raymond "Ray" J. Scheffler, age 92, of Benson, Minnesota passed away on May 10, 2015 at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am, Friday, May 15, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a Rosary at 4:00 pm and Prayer Service at 7:00 pm, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Raymond was born on March 4, 1923, to August and Barbara Scheffler in Jordan, Minnesota. He was a graduate of Jordan High School in 1941. Ray was inducted into the United States Army Air Corps in 1945 where he served in Greenland as an aerial photographer. Raymond married Irene Simon on October 21, 1947 in Veseli, Minnesota. The couple relocated to Benson where they raised their family. Ray worked for Minnesota Valley Breeder's Association, later 21st Century Genetics. Ray was a beloved husband of 67 years, proud father of five, grandfather of ten, great-grandfather of five, son, brother, uncle to 52 nieces and nephews, musician, entertainer, 18 year Benson City Council member, Army Air Corps Veteran, a proud American of German descent, and lover of Irene's chocolate chip cookies. Ray was a longtime active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. He was a charter member of the Benson Knights of Columbus and a 4th Degree Knight. Ray began his music lessons at the age of four. Countless people have danced to his accordion and trombone music. He was a band member of several bands including Louie's Rascals and Knot Hole Four. Ray and Irene spent twenty-five winters in Arizona where Ray entertained friends and family with his music. Ray is survived by his wife, Irene; five children: Susan Crepeau, Michael (Marge) Scheffler, Joan Scheffler, Monica (Scott) Swartz, and Jill (Byron) Payne; a sister, Dorothy Theis; ten grandchildren: Julie (Matt) Holzwarth, Michele Scheffler, Rachel (Brady) Olson, Shayla (Paul) Blaschko, Dane (Jena) Swartz, Brennan Payne, Ross Swartz, Tatum Payne, Laura Swartz, and Gavin Payne; five great-grandchildren; along with many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Barbara; his brothers, Clarence and LeRoy; and a son-in-law, Thomas Crepeau.
