Ray Alan Hartsook

Ray A. Hartsook was born January 10, 1959, in Creston, Iowa to Lyle M. and Betty M. (Johnson) Hartsook. Ray grew up on the family farm near Nevinville, Iowa, and attended grade school in Richland, Iowa and graduated from Orient-Macksburg High School in 1977. A few years after high school, Ray earned his Associate Degree in Agriculture from the Des Moines Area Community College. Growing up, Ray was active in FFA, and was on the football, basketball, baseball, and track teams at school. He helped with the family farm and country store that the family owned. He also had a fascination with cars and driving fast. Although married once before, Ray married the love of his life, Karen Hedges on January 11, 2002, in Winterset, Iowa. They made their home in Desoto and Cumberland, Iowa. Karen preceded Ray in death, and Ray moved to Fremont, Nebraska. Ray held several jobs throughout his life. He worked at the Bondurant Elevator and was an over the road truck driver for Casey’s for many years, as well as working at the Spring Factory in Adel, driving truck for G&H motor freight, working at the Massena, IA elevator, and retiring from 3M in Valley, NE. Ray was a very good dancer and golfer, but most of all, he loved deer hunting. He surrounded himself with deer artwork, many times had deer jerky on hand, and when he wasn’t hunting them, he was content to drive the country roads to try to spot them. Ray was a witty man who had a big and tender heart. He had a strong work ethic, refusing to miss a day of work. He was a good cook and was a master with the grill. He listened to rock-n-roll music or old country, and loved western movies, especially John Wayne, as well as movies like, “Secondhand Lions” or “Days of Thunder”. He was a huge fan of Iowa State sports and became a Kansas City Chiefs fan while watching Patrick Mahomes. He disliked it when something wasn’t put back in its proper place, and he might’ve told you he was, “doing it old school.” Ray will be remembered for his laughter and his unwavering work ethic. Ray passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024, at his home in Fremont, Nebraska at the age of 65 years and 5 months. He was preceded in death by his wife Karen, parents Lyle and Betty, and his brother Jim Hartsook. Ray is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law Janet and Carl Ratcliff of Seymour, MO and Marilyn and Gene Deardorff of Yale, Iowa, brother Dale Hartsook of Colorado Springs, CO, and nieces and nephews: Molly and John Ratcliff, Ryan & Kirby Deardorff, Teri & Brian Morgan, Austin and Blake Hartsook, and Brooke Hartsook, Cole Hartsook, Ashley Stewart. At Ray’s request, no services will be held. Condolences can be mailed to Ray’s siblings or to Reichmuth Funeral Home.

Ray Alan Hartsook

January 10, 1959 - May 10, 2024