Raymond Reestman
1921 — 2015
Raymond J. Reestman, 93 of Elgin, NE passed away Thursday, March 12, 2015 at the Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Bonaventure Church in Raeville, with Rev. Ross Burkhalter officiating. Interment followed at the parish cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 229 and VFW Post 5816 of Elgin. Huffman-Levander Funeral Home of Elgin, NE is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.huffmanlevander.com.
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Raymond Joseph Reestman, son of Gerhard and Agnes (Oberbrockling) Reestman, was born August 26, 1921 in Petersburg. He grew up on a farm near Raeville and attended St. Bonaventure School and Church. He entered the United States Army on August 7, 1942 serving in Battery A-531st AAAW Battalion, attached to the 30th Infantry Division in World War II. He received the Good Conduct Metal, Sharpshooter badge on the M-1 rifle, five Battle Stars for action in the Battle of Normandy (Omaha Beach), northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge) and Central Europe. He also received the Victory Medal and French Medal before being honorably discharged on November 9, 1945 with the rank of Sergeant.
On January 20, 1948, Ray married Catherine A. Zwingman at St. Bonaventure Church in Raeville. They resided on the same farm east of Elgin for 45 years where Ray farmed and raised livestock, until retiring and moving to Elgin in 1994. In 2014, they entered the Golden Living Center in Neligh.
Ray was a lifelong member of St. Bonaventure Parish, serving as Trustee on the parish council, member of the Knights of Columbus Council 244, and life member of American Legion Post 229 and VFW Post 5816 of Elgin. He enjoyed baseball, bowling and family. He was a fan for life of the Yankees, Huskers, Lakers and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s’ activities.
Ray is survived by his wife of 67 years, Catherine; two children: Janice (Duane) Esau of Elgin; Roger Reestman of Omaha; daughter-in-law: Marilyn Reestman of Elgin; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one brother: Joseph Reestman of Oakdale; one sister: Betty (Jerome) Temme of Petersburg; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Ron Reestman in 2001; one brother: Norbert Reestman; three sisters: Irene Camp, Alice Schmitz, and Marie Zwingman.
