Raymond Neal Trotter was born in Geary, Oklahoma, on December 29, 1934, to Christopher and Millie “Peggy” (Johnson) Trotter. He was baptized and confirm in the Lutheran Church. Ray’s family helped many people glean the harvest, taking them to many different states through the years. When he was a young teen, his family came to Minnesota and made their home in Sacred Heart.
Ray met his future wife, Pearl Svenby, in Sacred Heart, where she was helping her sister at the time. Ray and Pearl were married on June 28, 1952 and found their first home in Granite Falls. The couple was blessed with four children, Christopher, Becky, Duffy and Donnie.
Ray worked as a carpenter for a time laying hardwood floors. He later began working for Mooney Construction in Granite Falls before he opened his own auto repair shop to fix others vehicles.
Ray enjoyed working with his hands, from fixing cars to restoring antique furniture, he spent many hours laboring to make things like new again. He enjoyed listening to the good old country music and watching Old Country Westerns on the television.
Ray is survived by his wife, Pearl Trotter of Granite Falls; daughter, Becky (Jim) Moorse of Thornton, CO; son, Donnie (Jodi) Trotter of Granite Falls; grandchildren, Nathan Moorse, Shane Moorse, James Trotter, Kayla Trotter, Kelly Trotter, Waylon Trotter, Neil Trotter, Paula Trotter, April Trotter, David Trotter, Justin Trotter, Kylee Trotter, Christopher Trotter; great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Irene Randall of Milwaukee, WI; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
On Sunday, February 3, 2019, Raymond passed away peacefully in his home. He reached the age of 84 years, 1 month and 4 days. Blessed be his memory.
Ray was preceded in death by his father, Christopher; mother, Millie “Peggy” Trotter Kruckman; step father, George Kruckman; sons, Christopher Trotter and Duffy Trotter; grandson, Aaron Trotter.