Ray A. Pfingsten, 83, of Gleason, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021, at his home under the care of his family and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  Ray was born December 13, 1937, in the Town of Russell, Lincoln County, son of the late August and Hilda (Kankelfitz) Pfingsten.  He married Karan Couse on October 29, 1960, at the former Emmanuel Lutheran Church in the Town of Schley.  She survives.  Ray worked for 42 years at the former Semling & Menke Company (Semco) in Merrill.  He served as the financial secretary for the Carpenters Union Local 2344 for 27 years.  Ray was also a volunteer with the Town of Russell Fire Department for many years.  He was a member of the Gleason Lion’s Club and served as a liaison between the Gleason Lion’s Club and Boy Scouts.  Ray was a lifelong member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Gleason, where he served as an elder and an usher. He also served as a trustee of the church.  Ray enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding his bicycle.  Above all, Ray loved his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Karan Pfingsten of Gleason; his children, Connie (Robert) Jones, Debra (Victor) Jewell, and Mark Pfingsten all of Gleason; eight grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild ‘on the way’.  Ray was preceded in death by his parents, August and Hilda Pfingsten; and his brothers and their spouses, Ellsworth (Rose) Pfingsten and Harold (Florine) Krueger.

The funeral service for Ray will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Gleason.  The Rev. Greg Laska will officiate.  Burial will take place in Emmanuel Luther Memorial Cemetery.  The visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at the church.  The pallbearers will be: Andrew Kuzmarski, Luke Pfingsten, Alex Pfingsten, Matthew Puhl, Amanda Puhl, and John Jewell.  Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.   Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com