Raymond Widen
September 1, 1924 — July 25, 2016
Ray Widen, 91, of Two Harbors died Monday, July 25, 2016 at Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors.
He was born on the family farm outside of Segog on September 1, 1924 to Joseph A. and Martha (Olsson) Widen. Ray was a lifelong resident of Two Harbors graduating from Two Harbors High School in 1942. Prior to serving in the U.S. Coast Guard-Merchant Marines during WWII, Ray sailed on the ore boats of the Great Lakes. In 1945, he was married to Muriel Donovan and they returned to Two Harbors where he worked various jobs before buying Otterblad’s Shoe Store in 1959. Together he and Muriel owned and operated the store for 27 years.
Ray was a member of the United Church of Two Harbors, Loyal Order of the Moose, TH Civic Association, the Lake County Historical Society, and the TH Airport Commission. As a downtown businessman, Ray enjoyed many friendships with the people of Two Harbors and Silver Bay.
He enjoyed his work, snowmobiling, the outdoors, flying small planes, and ’38 Fords.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Walter and Iver Widen.
Ray is survived by wife, Muriel; children Jim (Julia) of Two Harbors and Carol Widen of St. Croix Falls, WI; grandchildren; Elizabeth (Michael) Marks, Barbara (Donald) Crain, Joseph Forrest, Rachel (Scott) Gischia, Laura (Christian) von Goertz, and Matthew Widen; 8 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home and Ecumen Scenic Shores for the loving care they provided.
Visitation will be from 1 PM until the 2 PM service on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the United Church in Two Harbors.