Raymond "Ray" Charles Ernster, age 91, formerly of Redfield, SD and Tulare, SD, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Vista Prairie at Copperleaf in Willmar, MN.

Services will be held on Tuesday, July 9, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with his funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m.  Reverend Lorah Houser Jankord will officiate.  Burial, with military honors, will take place after the service at the Tulare Cemetery in Tulare.

Ray's funeral will be live-streamed on the funeral home's website below his obituary. Hyke Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with Ray's arrangements (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Ray was born in Sioux Falls, SD on August 16th in 1932, to Charles and Saydia (Bingner) Ernster.

Ray grew up in the Tulare area and joined the US Army in 1953 (Korean War). He served in Alaska until the war ended.

Ray returned to Tulare and then attended school at Northern State University in Aberdeen. He then met Lorraine Rall of Long Lake, SD whom he married on March 30th, 1958. Together they had 4 children: Anthony, Denise, Theron, and Todd.

In 1968, Ray continued his education and received his master's degree from the University of SD. He became a teacher and taught in many locations throughout his career. He finished teaching his last 13 years in South Texas.

When he retired from teaching in 1995, he returned to Tulare. He bought a farm and enjoyed raising cows, chickens, and gardening.  He also enjoyed playing the piano and telling life stories.

Ray was a lifetime member of The American Legion and The Will James Society. He also carried on his piano-playing legacy by donating many pianos to the Redfield and Tulare areas.

Ray is survived by his children: Anthony of Corcoran, MN, Theron (Rhonda) of Sealy, TX, and Todd of Isanti, MN. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Saydia Ernster, infant daughter, Denise, and 8 brothers and sisters.

Memorials in honor of Ray may be forwarded to Theron Ernster, PO Box 404, Webster, WI, 54893.