A Traditional Roman Catholic Latin Requiem Mass will be held for Raymond Lester Sibley at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 12 at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester.

Mr. Sibley, 89, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 8, 2009.

Ray was born to Fred and Dora Sibley on July 19, 1920 in Rochester.  He attended Northrup School, Central School, and is a 1937 graduate of Rochester High School.  While in school he was selected to Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society.

In July 1941 he converted to the Roman Catholic Faith and joined St. John's Catholic Church.  On October 14, 1941 he married Eileen Catherine McConnell in Rochester. They made their home here and raised 8 children, all graduates of Lourdes High School. Eileen died on July 1, 2000.

Mr. Sibley was drafted for military duty in June 1944.  He served in the 45 ^th Infantry Division "Thunderbirds" in the US 7 ^th Army and was involved in the European Theater of Operations during World War II.  He earned the rank of Technician 5 ^th Grade (Corporal).  He took great pride in being a member of "The Greatest Generation."  He was a member of the Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans, and was very proud of his long-time involvement with the Soldiers Field Memorial Committee.  He spent hundreds of hours researching information for the Wall of Remembrance that stands in honor of those who have died in service.  He understood the importance of telling the stories of war so that people can be reminded that Freedom Isn't Free.

Ray was very proud of his profession of Senior Engineering Technician/Inspector for the Rochester City Engineers section of the Department of Public Works.  He participated in the planning and building of many of the area roadways and bridges.  He valued hard work.

He played fast-pitch softball and later umpired, and in 1984 was inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame as a catcher with over 30 years of competition.  He was a 60-year member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the John Birch Society.  In addition to softball and veteran activities, he loved fishing and playing pinochle.

His Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life.  He served as Chief Lay Parish Advisor and later as Advisor Emeritus to Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in rural Rochester.

Mr. Sibley is survived by 8 children: Jim Sibley, John (Lois) Sibley, Mary Jane (C. Donald) Hass, Sheila (Tom) Walsh, Charles "Chuck" Sibley, and Julie Assef, all of Rochester, Rosemary (Timothy)Teas of Brooklyn Center and Barbara Sibley of St. Paul.  He had 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Swenson of Rochester, and an infant brother.

Friends may call on Tuesday evening from 5 to 8 pm at Macken funeral home, with a Celebration and Time of Sharing at 6:30 pm and Rosary at 8 pm.  There will also be visitation 1 hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday.  Memorials are suggested to Seasons Hospice, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial Committee or the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.