RAYMOND WILLIAM AILTS, age 85, of Rushmore, died Thursday, November 14, 2013, at the Adrian Care Center. He was born March 22, 1928, in Rushmore, to Clarence and Tena (Hieronimus) Ailts. He attended Rushmore Public School and later attended Worthington High School. Ray entered the United States Army in January of 1951. He served his country as a mechanic during the Korean Conflict before being honorably discharged in January of 1953.
Ray married Eleanor June Thom on May 23, 1953, in the First Presbyterian Church in Rushmore. After their marriage, the couple farmed southwest of Rushmore. He became a resident of the Adrian Care Center in November of 2009.
He was baptized and a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rushmore where he had served as Deacon, Trustee and was on various church committees. Ray was a member, for over sixty years, of the Rushmore American Legion which later joined with the Worthington American Legion; the Rushmore Booster Club and the Rushmore Senior Citizens. He served on the Sunset Rest Cemetery Board; and received his twelve gallon pin from the Red Cross Blood Mobile.
Ray is survived by his wife, June Ailts, Rushmore; four children, Larry (Laura) Ailts, Worthington; Rhonda (Jack Reiter) Ailts, Minnetonka; Sandy (Bob) Demuth, Worthington; and Gary (Melody) Ailts, Rushmore; six grandchildren, Craig (Laura) Ailts, Rochester; Julie (friend, Brent Carlsen) Ailts, Worthington; Allison (Josh) Heidebrink, Worthington; Mark Demuth, Worthington; Travis Ailts, Rushmore; and Keith Ailts, Rushmore; brother, Bob (Eunice) Ailts, Worthington; and two sisters-in-law, Faye Ailts, Worthington; and Lorraine Ailts, Worthington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant grandchild; and three brothers, Marvin, Lester & Burdell Ailts.
Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Monday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Funeral will be 10:30 Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church, in Rushmore, officiated by Rev. James Krapf. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Rushmore.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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