Raymond Joseph Waszut

Raymond Joseph Waszut passed away in his home in Crystal, MN, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at age 92. Ray was born on April 21, 1933, as the youngest child and only son of Rose Rapacz and Joseph George Waszut. He was completely beloved from the moment he took his first breath. As in, he was literally carried on a pillow by his parents and sisters. His older sister, Rose, who was 15 years older, was often mistaken for his mother because she took him most everywhere she went. Raymond grew up in North Minneapolis, attending St. Philip's and North High School, where he excelled in athletics and art. During the summers, the family's cherished delinquent was sent to the Swanson's family farm, his brother-in-law's, in Thief River Falls, to keep him out of trouble. It did not take. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the Korean Conflict. Despite being advised not to be eager for a position, he volunteered as a medic and was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division (nicknamed "Tropic Lightning"), which was deployed from Hawaii to South Korea near the 38th Parallel. Raymond took great pride in serving his country, as it allowed him not only to be a protector but also a healer for his fellow countrymen. After the conflict ended and his division returned to Hawaii, Raymond won numerous ping-pong tournaments, learned how to surf, and buried a military tank. After he returned to the States, he received an Associate's in Electrical Engineering from Brown Technical College. He worked his way up the ladder to become the manager of returns at Gold Bond Stamps, where he worked for 19 ½ years before being let go. At that time, if you employed someone for 20 years, you were required to provide them with a retirement plan. So, every employee was let go just shy of 20 years. Nevertheless, he cofounded a vinyl patch company, Vinyl n' Ink, and made patches for the YMCA and all of its parent-child programs nationwide. Just after his return home, he and his future wife, Betty Lou Kohnen, decided to date more seriously (there was one date prior to deployment... it didn't end well). And, although the ring went back and forth numerous times over the years, the two were meant to be life partners until the end. They spent their free time camping in the National Parks, working on their Brainerd-area cabin, attending the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion (WMSTR), and jamming with their friends in a group called The Junction Bunch. It is important to note that Raymond was the face of WMSTR for thousands. He played the 353 Steam Engine's "Hobo" for over 40 years and ensured more attendance than anyone will ever know. Raymond was a stay-at-home father to his daughter, Wendy Rae, during her teen years. He loved being her dad, and he loved her. Legend has it that when he found out Betty Lou finally had a viable pregnancy, he got so drunk in celebration that she needed to carry him back home, all while he repeated, "I am just so happy." This is when he started to balance his love of shenanigans with his devotion to civic and familial duty. When Wendy brought home the man who made her happiest, Andrew Barrett, Raymond accepted and loved him as if he had been there all along. Wendy and Andrew brought him two grandchildren ten years apart: Isabelle Rose and Aaron Raymond. He made them feel loved and supported all the time, no matter their accomplishments or failures. Raymond was one of those rare people universally adored. He was adamant about following the Golden Rule and instilling it in others because "everyone is important." He was the quiet steadiness of every family gathering. He always knew what was happening with the weather and was eager to learn about how it was where his loved ones were. He created beautiful landscape art and ingenious architectural and carpentry designs. He loved to watch wildlife and had several beloved pets throughout his life. He collected so, so very many rocks everywhere he went. He loved nothing more than seeing his family members excel in their respective passions. He voted in every election and paid his taxes without complaint. And, at the very end, no matter how his day actually may have been, he said, "Every day is a great day." Raymond Waszut is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Lou Bernice Waszut, of Crystal, MN; his daughter, Wendy Rae Waszut-Barrett; and his son-in-law, Andrew Barrett, of Crystal, MN. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Isabelle & Anna Marceau of Madison, WI, and Aaron Barrett of Appleton, WI. They will hold him in loving, steady, and ungovernable memory for the rest of their lives. We love you. Memorial Service Tuesday 3/24 at 2:00pm with visitation 1 hour prior at Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Chapel 5125 West Broadway Crystal, MN 55429. 763-533-8643. Interment Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.

Raymond Joseph Waszut

April 21, 1933 - March 15, 2026

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