Raymond R. Housh

Raymond R. Housh, age 87, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away, Saturday, June 5, 2021, at his home unexpectedly.

Ray “Wink” Housh was born June 17, 1933 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Son of Helen and Chuck Housh. He graduated from Garner High School in Garner, Iowa in 1951. He later attended Iowa State University, graduating in June 1955 with a double major in Animal Science and Agronomy and a commission in the US Army. He served in the US Army in Europe June 1956-1958. Later recalled on active-duty October 1961.

Wink married Nancy W. Bradwell, of Garner, Iowa, in September 1961 at the United Presbyterian Church in Garner, Iowa. They have two children, Timothy Brian of Red Oak, Iowa and Anne Winifred of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. They were looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this coming September.

Ray worked at the Cow Palace and Livestock Auction in Forest City, Iowa from April 1962-May 1971. He then bought “fat cattle” for Wilson & Company August 1971-December 1975. He moved his family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1972 and later to Red Oak, Iowa in August 1974. In that time, he worked for 3 seed corn companies as the District Sales Manager before he started his own business, Evergreen Lawns January 1991. He later sold that business in August 2005.

He enjoyed activities with the Boy Scouts, Court of honor, Acorn Acres Board Member, Red Oak Parks and Recreation Board Member, Red Oak Methodist Church and Red Oak Presbyterian Board Member, and volunteering weekly for Meals on Wheels. Ray was passionate about growing his vegetable garden, along with tending flowers and lawn mowing. 

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Housh of Red Oak, son Timothy Housh and wife Lorrie of Red Oak, daughter Anne Housh of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, granddaughter Ashley Ann Housh of Omaha, Nebraska and her son Jayden, grandson Justin Housh of Red Oak, granddaughter Olivia Otis of Eden Prairie, MN and grandson Noah Otis of Eden Prairie, MN.

A celebration of life service will be held 11 AM Thursday, June 10, 2021, at the Red Oak Presbyterian Church.  Burial of the cremated remains will be in the Evergreen Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be held from 10 AM -11 AM Thursday, June 10, 2021, at the church prior to the celebration of life.  Memorials are suggested to the Christ’s Cupboard Food Pantry.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.