Raymond Klein

Raymond Lee Klein, of Cedaredge, was born July 12, 1936 in Julesburg, Colorado. He grew up in Grant, Nebraska, and was the youngest of three brothers. Ray graduated from Perkins County High School in 1953 at the age of 16. After graduation, Ray worked on the family farm until 1957 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he served in Karlsruhe, Germany with the 78th Engineering Battalion from 1957 through 1959. Following his time in Germany, Ray served in the Army Reserves for another six years. Ray returned to Nebraska to work with his brother, Richard, for the county road department in Nebraska. He then worked as a cowboy in Poudre Canyon, Colorado. Ray moved to Minnesota for a short time, but decided it was too cold and returned to Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. There, Ray served as the volunteer fire chief while working as a cowboy. He also met the love of his life, Carolyn Morgan, and they were married in 1979. In 1981, Ray suffered a severe heart attack. Shortly after, Ray and Carolyn moved to Grand Junction, where Ray was hired by Cathy Frederick at Peach Tree True Value in 1982. Sadly, Carolyn was diagnosed with cancer. Ray took care of Carolyn until her passing in 1990. He cherished every moment he spent with Carolyn for the eleven years they were together. Through this difficult time, Ray’s co-workers at Peach Tree became his family. Ray also met Sandy, Bob, and Ryan Wilson while in Grand Junction in 1993. The Wilsons, and Ray’s passion for golf brought him to Cedaredge in 1998. In Cedaredge, Ray had a gift for working his way into the hearts of many. Ray was able to make friends in many facets of his life, including: golf, Boy Scouts, and other activities, including yoga where he enjoyed being the only man in the class. Ray will be greatly missed by many. Services will be held Saturday November 22, at 2:00pm at the Center for Spiritual Living in Delta, CO. There will be a celebration of Ray’s life at the Cedaredge Golf Course following the service.