Ray O. Strenge, 85 of Sioux Falls, died Friday, February 5, 2010 at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls.

Ray Orville was born on the family farm north of Colman to Henry and Emma (Specht) Strenge on January 11, 1924. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school through the 8th grade. He worked on various farms until he enlisted in the U. S. Army on December 20, 1944. He married Mary Louise Hodge on May 19, 1945 at Neosho, MO while stationed at Camp Crowder. He was discharged from the U. S. Army on August 10, 1946. The couple moved back to South Dakota and Ray worked for various farmers and trucked. The family lived on farms in the Brookings, Dell Rapids, Flandreau and Colton areas. The couple moved to a farm west of Sioux Falls in 1973. In 1980, Ray and Mary moved into Sioux Falls and Ray began working for the city of Sioux Falls Street Department. Ray retired in 1990. He remained in his home until the time of his death.

Ray was a member of First Lutheran Church in Colton and the West Baptist Church in Chester. He enjoyed working with the land as a farmer and later in life as a gardener.

Survivors include his wife: Mary Louise of Sioux Falls; his son: Richard Strenge of Norfolk, NE and many extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister and his brother.

His funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Kahler Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Union Cemetery, Flandreau. Visitation with the family present will be from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Kahler Funeral Home.

www.kahlerfh.com