Raymond Dean Benitez-Wise

Raymond D. Benitez-Wise Raymond Dean Benitez-Wise, lovingly known as Ray, passed away surrounded by the love of his family and those whose lives he touched deeply. He will be remembered for his mischievous charm, adventurous spirit, deep love of nature, and unwavering devotion to his family. Ray shared a beautiful life with his wife, Sasha Benitez-Wise. Together, they built a life centered around love, laughter, family, and adventure. The couple met in 2015, became engaged in 2016, and were married in 2019. Through every challenge they faced, including the difficult years during COVID, they remained committed to building a strong and loving home for their family. Ray found joy in the outdoors and cherished time spent camping, traveling, exploring parks, and creating lasting memories with his children. Some of the family's happiest memories came from spontaneous adventures and road trips across the country, including a memorable 2018 journey to Yellowstone National Park with their five children packed into one compact SUV - a trip Ray embraced wholeheartedly with excitement and humor. He had a special love for animals and especially adored Reese, the family dog, whom he walked daily at Victory Memorial Off-Leash Dog Park. There, Ray and the children began building a small stick house together, adding to it day by day - a simple but meaningful reflection of the way Ray built love, memories, and connection throughout his life. Ray will also be remembered for his playful spirit and ability to make others laugh. Whether through jokes, spontaneous fun, or creating magical moments for his children - like dressing as a leprechaun and hiding near the neighborhood pond during a family treasure hunt - he brought joy and laughter to those around him. To his wife, Ray was not only a husband, but a best friend, partner, and soulmate. He was thoughtful in the little things: flowers on birthdays, cards for every holiday, and hugs strong enough to take your breath away. He believed deeply in love and often told Sasha that theirs was "movie kind of love" - real, lasting, and rare. Ray's legacy lives on in the memories he created, the love he gave freely, and the kindness and laughter he inspired in others. Though he will be profoundly missed, his family finds comfort in carrying his memory forward through compassion, connection, and love for one another. He is survived by his loving wife, Sasha Benitez-Wise; his children, Raymond Dean Wise II, and Adabella Wise; extended family; close friends; and all those fortunate enough to know and love him. The family would like to thank everyone who has supported them throughout the years and during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Ray. You will be loved always and never forgotten. Adabella Wise, Ray's beloved daughter, shared a special bond with her father that was filled with love, laughter, creativity, and joy. At just 9 years old, Adabella remembers her dad as someone who made life fun every single day. Ray loved spending time with his daughter, drawing, coloring, watching television, and sharing their mutual love for kitties. He encouraged Adabella to collect the things that made her happy - cards, action figures, stuffies, and dolls - always supporting her interests and helping her express her unique personality. Adabella proudly carries on her father's love of baseball, playing the sport just as Ray did when he was a child. She also inherited many of the qualities that remind her family of him every day, including his sense of humor, his personality, and even his looks. Ray lovingly called her his "princess," and there was never any doubt about how deeply he loved her. One of the greatest gifts Ray gave his daughter was encouragement. He always wanted Adabella to try new things, to be brave, and to follow her passions. As she looks forward to exploring theater and dance, she carries with her the confidence and pride her father instilled in her. Adabella is grateful for every memory, every laugh, and every gift her father gave her - treasures she plans to keep forever. Most of all, she will forever hold onto the love they shared. "I love you so so so so so so so much. Love, your Bella Booboo Mass of Christian Burial Friday 5/29 at 11:00am with visitation 1 hour prior at the Church of St. Albert the Great 2836 33rd Ave S. Minneapolis, MN Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery Wednesday June 3rd at 1:30pm - Assembly area #3

Raymond Dean Benitez-Wise

January 27, 1982 - May 10, 2026

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