Raymond Francis Zeman of Rochester, MN died peacefully at Madonna Towers on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

Born September 27, 1932 on a farm in Pocahontas, IA to George and Lorena (Ruder) Zeman, Ray moved with his family to Minnesota in 1947 where he farmed until his graduation from Ellendale High School in 1950. After graduating high school, Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force. Ray was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1954 and married Susanne Walker in Geneva, MN. There he had a double wedding with his brother Richard Zeman, who married Sue's sister Joanne. Ray and Sue were blessed with three sons: Steven, Daniel, and Michael. Ray and Sue moved to Rochester in 1957 where, drawing on his experience and education from the Air Force, Ray began a successful 35-year career with IBM. Sue preceded Ray in death in 1982.

After Sue's passing, Ray met Rita Dixon, a colleague at IBM in Rochester. Ray and Rita were married in 1983 and resided in Rochester, MN. Ray and Rita were blessed with two daughters: Ramona and Renee. Ray and Rita divorced in 1997.

Ray was heavily involved in the communities he belonged to, which were many. These included being a founding member of the Lourdes High School Foundation, member to the Rochester Serra Club, member of the Alzheimer's Association, managing charitable bingo for Lourdes High School, and participating in the American Legion Honor Guard. He also offered countless hours of volunteer work for the Catholic schools and churches in Rochester and was an avid supporter of Lourdes High School athletics with over 45 years running the clock for football and basketball games. He was awarded a Lourdes High School sports hall of fame award in 2010. Ray had a strong desire to serve others and received energy from his participation and service to causes he believed in.

Ray is survived by sons, Steven (Julie) Zeman, Daniel (Marilyn) Zeman, and Michael (Elissa) Zeman; daughter, Renee (Timothy) Rudolph; sisters, Rita Dickson and Lorena Zeman; and brothers, Leo (Bernice) Zeman and David (Barbara) Zeman. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Cody Zeman, Sara Zeman, Alexander (Sarah) Zeman, Eleanor (Tyler) Stefan, and Gregory Zeman; and five great-grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lorena Zeman; wife, Susanne Zeman; brother, Richard (Joanne) Zeman; sister, Alice (Herman) Blankenau; and daughter Ramona Zeman.

The funeral Mass for Ray will be held at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Visitation will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Monday, January 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a second visitation one-hour prior to the funeral Mass on Tuesday, January 22.

Memorials are preferred to Lourdes High School, Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, or Madonna Towers.

Ray's family is grateful to all the staff and caregivers at Madonna Towers and Mayo Hospice. Their love and support brought peace and comfort to Ray and his family through the end of his life.