Ray James Weidner
May 18, 1933 –August 16, 2024
Ray James Weidner, aged 91, of La Vista, NE, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family. Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife, Florence M. Weidner; grandson, Jerred D. Weidner; parents, Raymond John and Corrine Helen Weidner (Connelly); sister, Alyce Glaser (Weidner); brother, Earl Weidner.
He is survived by his six children: Colleen M. Jenny of Omaha NE, Theresa Karnish (Alan) of Kansas City, MO, Douglas E. Weidner of Council Bluffs, IA, Ray G. Weidner (Jeannie) of Malvern IA, Ronald M. Weidner of Omaha, NE, and Diane K. Weidner of LaVista, NE; eleven grandchildren: Layla Esparza (Eric), Lindsay Guffey (Clint), Corrin Karnish, RJ Weidner (Chelsea), Nick Weidner, Tyler Trelles (Tori), Dillon Wedige, Leah Wedige, McKayla Weidner, Sarah Martin and Steven Turner; fifteen great-grandchildren: Marquez Esparza, Diego Esparza, Kayleigh Guffey, Kendall Guffey, Sophia Trelles, Benny Trelles, Luca Trelles, Zeke Wise, Henry Wise, Raeleigh Wedige, Athena Weidner; four siblings: Jerry Weidner, Mary Lu Weidner, Tom Weidner and Margy Weidner.
Ray was born on May 18,1933, in Spalding, NE, to Raymond John and Corrine Helen Weidner (Connelly). He was raised on a farm in Greeley, NE. Ray was the third of seven siblings: Alyce, Earl, Jerry, Mary Lu, Tom and Margy.
Ray graduated from Sacred Heart School in Greeley, NE, on May 28,1950. Immediately following graduation he joined the Navy, serving with his brother, Earl, on the same ship. Shortly after his 4-year service, he married the love of his life, Florence M. Gray on April 2, 1955, in Greeley at Sacred Heart Church. After marrying Florence, Ray farmed in Greeley, NE for a short period of time, Ray then later joined his brother Jerry Weidner in 1957, working on the freight dock with the Railroad for a short time.
Ray and Florence settled in Boys Town in 1958, and he started his career of 30+ years there in Agriculture Farming. In addition to his farming career with Boys Town, he was a volunteer firefighter for the Boys Town Fire Department. He later became Chief and received an award from the Mayor. Ray was passionate and very involved in volunteering wherever was needed. Driving the Boys Town tour bus on the weekends was one of many things that he did. He was very generous with his time. The relationships he made and kept at Boys Town throughout his career were particularly important to him. In addition to Boys Town, Ray joined his youngest brother, Tom Weidner, in starting a construction company T&R (Tom & Ray) Trenching in 1976.
Ray was very family oriented. He loved playing horseshoes, bowling, lawn care, gardening, and most of all, dancing with his wife, Florence. He will be remembered as a smart, handsome, quick-witted man that had a zest for life, with his cap always on and a toothpick nearby. Ray’s sense of humor was one of his most noticeable traits. He will be dearly missed.
VISITATION: Wednesday, August 21st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Rd., followed by VIEGIL SERVICE at 7:00 p.m.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, August 22nd at 10:30 a.m., St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 200 E. 6th St. in Papillion.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Thursday, 2:30 p.m. at Omaha National Cemetery with Military Honors, 14250 Schram Rd., Omaha, 68138
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
5 Comments
My deepest sympathies to your family. He will be greatly missed. He can now rest in peace with no more suffering Many prayers for all.
Diane, Ronnie, Ray J, Doug, Theresa and Colleen your dad was a dad to many of us.
Big Ray was loved by many and will truly be missed. May you all find peace in your hearts knowing he has gone home.
No doubt he was greeted by your mom and others that passed before him including my dad.
Love and prayers to each and every one of you.
Hugs. Cathy (McBride) Bowen.
Such wonderful memories in my heart from being neighbors and friends for so long. We were blessed. Love and hugs to each of you!❤️🙏
BEST neighbor in the whole world..can’t believe I missed this… Ray and Flo wonderful next door for many years… RIP… and yes, toothpicks…epic
The best neighbor ever! Mike and I adored living next to you , toothpicks always around as great fun, visits , tomatoes, cocktails and family stuff..sleep well, you were very loved
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