Raymond H. Josten

Raymond H. Josten

1924 – 2011

Raymond H. Josten, age 87 of Sidney, NE  passed away Tuesday evening, April 19, 2011 at the Memorial Health Center Extended Care in Sidney.

Ray, the son of Joe and Anna (Penne) Josten was born on January 25, 1924 at Elgin, NE.

Ray along with four brothers and two sisters was raised on the family farm, attended and graduated from St. Boniface School at Elgin in 1942.  In July 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the Destroyer USS Zellers as a signalman in the Pacific and Atlantic Theatres.  Following his discharge in July 1946 Ray attended the Grand Island Business College.  On October 11, 1948 he was united in marriage to Darlene Ridder and are the parents of four children:  David, Nancy and twins Dean and Diane.

Ray spent his entire lifetime connected to the lumber and building business.  He was employed as assistant manager to the Elgin Lumber Co. and Albion Elevator & Lumber Co.  In September of 1953, he moved with his family to Sidney when he joined Neil D. Hughes and purchased the former Moore Lumber Co. at 15th and Quince Streets.  He and Neil operated the Hughes-Josten Lumber Co. at that location until 1960 when the business was purchased by Foster Lumber Co.  At this time, he and wife Darlene formed the Josten Construction Co and operated this business until 1982.  Ray and Darlene have resided at their present home at 1714 15th Avenue since 1958.

Ray was an avid golfer, loved boating, fishing, hunting and playing cards.  He and Darlene have been loyal followers of their children and grandchildren in sports.  He was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, served on the original St. Pat’s School Board during the construction of the St. Pat’s High School, and served on the building committee during the construction of the present St. Patrick’s Parish Center.  Ray is a Past Commander of the American Legion in Elgin, Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus of Sidney and 4th Degree Member.  He was a life-member  of the Knights of Columbus, V.F.W. as well as the Sidney Elks Lodge.

Survivors include his wife:  Darlene of Sidney; sons:  David (Lisa) and family of North Platte, NE and Dean (Rhonda) and family of Omaha; daughters:  Nancy O’Connell (John) and family of Sidney and Diane Watson and family of Lincoln; (10) grandchildren; (4) great-grandchildren; (1) brother:  Clarence and wife Clem of Powell Butte, OR; (2) sisters-in-law:  Berniece Josten of McCook and Mary Ann Olson of Sidney and many extended family members and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, (3) brothers:  Lawrence and wife Betty, Sylvester and Alfred; (1) brother-in-law:  Harold Olson; (4) brothers-in-law:  Frank, Joe, Herman and Lawrence “Pete” Ridder and (3) sisters-in-law:  Cathrine, Bernadine and Cecilia.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, April 23, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Art Faesser officiating.

Military Graveside Honors were conducted at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s name to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or Memorial Health Center Hospice.