Robert “Ray” R. Lagerstrom, 80, of Smolan, passed away Monday, March 12, 2018. He was born September 9, 1937 in Lindsborg, KS.

Ray entered the United States Navy on October 11, 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri. After serving on several ships, Ray was eventually assigned to and honorably discharged as a Boiler Technician Third Class from the U.S.S. Yosemite, October 10, 1960, after serving exactly four years for our country. Ray continued to be patriotic throughout the remainder of his life.

After Ray’s release from the Navy, Ray married the love of his life, Marie E. Huntley, July 23, 1961, here in Salina. Ray and Marie went on to raise and nurture four children that value themselves and treat themselves with respect and show the same behavior toward others, that nurturing them is about the way we love them …the way we bring them up. They grew up to understand perseverance and internal fortitude, as they saw both good times and hard times. Ray’s wife and children were the love of his life, and Ray’s absence from their lives will be felt for a long time.

Ray start out his construction work history building homes and roofing. Years later, Ray owned and operated his own roofing company; LagerstromRoofing. But Ray’s love and passion was getting into the various farming equipment and helping his neighbors during wheat harvest around the Lindsborg and Smolan area.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Amos W. and Millicent J. (Lindeman) Lagerstrom, step-mother; Leola “Tommy” F. Lagerstrom and a step-brother; Loren E. Soldan

Survivors include his beloved wife of 56 years; Marie E. Lagerstrom; children, Ruth (Macky) Luttrell of Massillon, OH, Robert D. (Karen) Lagerstrom of Eudora, KS., Anne Lagerstrom of Salina and Heidi (Shayne) Green of Culver and 4 grandchildren; Stephanie (Adam) Maxwell, Ashley Lagerstrom, Gary (Samantha) Graf and Blake Green, 4 great-grandchildren; Henry Maxwell, Logan Maxwell, Lexi Graf and Alayziah Chamberlain, two brothers; Larry (Paula) Lagerstrom of Colorado Springs, CO and Dwayne (Annette) Lagerstrom of Overland Park and a sister; Lynda Werries of Salina, plus many nieces, nephews and cousins. As well as many “Honorary sons and daughters.”

Memorial services will be held 10:00, Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the Church of the Incarnation, 639 Max Ave, Salina. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Church, Hospice of Salina, Bethany Home in Lindsborg or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in care of Roselawn Mortuary, PO Box 2322, Salina, 67402.

For online condolences contact Roselawn at www.roselawnsalina.com