Raymond Wuerch, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully Aug 16, 2026, at the age of 94.
He was born Dec. 18, 1931, in Lydiatt, Manitoba, Canada. He was the fifth of eight children born to William and Natalie Wuerch. Ray married Phyllis Thorpe on Sept 17, 1954, in Canby, Minnesota. Phyllis was a devoted wife of 71 years. To this union were born five children – Linda, Wesley, Judy, Nancy and David.
Ray served as a pastor for more than 70 years, ministering to congregations throughout Canada, and the United States. His dedication to God – and his compassion for others – touched countless lives, as he offered guidance and support to anyone in need. In the early years of his marriage, he also worked full time as a carpenter, a skill he cherished and shared generously, building homes, and cabinets, with great precision.
A man of integrity and humility, Ray had the gift of making everyone feel welcome. He was a good listener, always offering biblical and Godly advice with love and understanding. Whether at home or in public, Ray always practiced what he preached. Ray’s life was filled with simple pleasures. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, gardening, and maintaining a beautiful yard with many flowers. His large gardens and many fruit trees were always bountiful and he enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with his family, neighbors and friends.
One important event in Ray’s life was obtaining his U.S. citizenship in 1998.
Ray is survived by his wife of 71 years, Phyllis; his children, Linda Eigsti of Friend, Wesley (Jayne) Wuerch of Lake Tapps, Washington, Judy (Mike) Kitchen of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Nancy (Steve) Johnson of Marshall, Minnesota, and David (Amy) Wuerch of Snohomish, Washington. His legacy continues through his 11 grandchildren – Children of Linda: Jason (Michelle) Eigsti of Verona, Wisconsin, Nathan(Heather) Eigsti of Hickman, Emily (Seth) McDougall of Hickman. Children of Wes: Alison Wuerch of Puyallup, Washington, Kyle Wuerch of San Franciso, California. Children of Judy: Molly (Michael) Lewis of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Children of Nancy: Alise (Preston) Sanow of Marshall, Minnesota, Matt Johnson of Fargo, North Dakota, Bryce Johnson of Scottsdale, Arizona. Children of David: Caroline Wuerch of Snohomish, and Natalie Wuerch of Snohomish.
Ray is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, with the 12th on the way. He is also survived by brothers, Bill Wuerch, and Art (Mary Ann) Wuerch, of Ontario, Canada.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lawrence, and Harry Wuerch; as well as sisters, Elsie Howson, and Pearl Mills, along with their loving spouses. Ray was also proceeded in death by his sister-in-law, Ann Wuerch, and his brother, Harvey Wuerch.
Visitation is 2 - 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, with family greeting and receiving friends and relatives from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Lauber Funeral Home in Friend. The funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at the Friend Christian Assembly in Friend. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Friend Christian Assembly.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services of Friend.
