The Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Oct 4, 2024. A gathering time for family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Rockwell Church, 93 Midway Drive, Virginia, MN 55792
Raymond Lee Preble, 67, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the Mayo Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer.
Ray was born on September 5th, 1957 in Virginia, Minnesota to Sherman and Arlene Preble. He was a 1975 graduate of Eveleth High School. Ray met Betty Heikkila in 1979 on a blind date and they married in 1984. They had one son, Adam Preble, who was born in San Diego, California where they lived for 7 years.
Over the years, Ray worked a wide range of positions across 3 states. He worked in watercraft research and development in San Diego. One of the most exciting aspects of his career was working as a mechanic for the Scorpion and Yamaha snowmobile racing teams. He enjoyed working with the racing crew and traveling around the United States. Later in his career, he transitioned into business management roles at Floe International and Aquapower. Ray had a good work ethic and was known to rarely call in sick. He was a mentor to friends and coworkers who respected his ability to care for others as well as his strong leadership skills at work and in life.
Ray was a long-time resident of Eveleth, Minnesota. He purchased and restored his childhood home, which is a Victorian home and one of the oldest houses in Eveleth.
Ray was an avid hunter, fisherman, and cook. He was a jack of all trades and could fix just about anything and he taught his son these life skills. He was a member of the Eveleth Elks Club for 27 years and enjoyed volunteering his time for events.
You always knew when Ray entered the room because you would hear his cheerful voice and loud laugh. He was intentional about greeting everyone and made them feel welcome. Ray always had a smile on his face and a comforting hug to offer. Ray easily made others laugh and was an excellent storyteller. He enjoyed singing karaoke to his Golden Oldies favorites.
Ray is survived by his wife of 40 years, Betty; and son, Adam (Kari) of Duluth; mother, Arlene Preble of Virginia; sister, Linda (David) Quinn of Nebraska; brother, Sherman Preble Jr. of Vermont; brother, Jeffrey (Tanya) Preble of Minneapolis; brother, David (Gwen) Preble of Roseville; sisters-in-law, Marge (Scott) Smith, Elaine Heikkila (Gary Simek), Dar (Mike) Beard, Kay Heikkila; brother-in-law, Rick Stefanich; as well as many relatives and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his father, Sherman Preble; nephew, James Preble; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilho and Thelma Heikkila; sister-in-law, Joanne Stefanich, and nephew, Lee Heikkila.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Rockwell Church (93 Midway Dr. Virginia, MN, 55792) on Friday, October 4th at 11:00am. Officiant will be Pastor Chris Teien. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. An interment will be at the Eveleth Cemetery and take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cron-Sheehy Funeral Home, Eveleth. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.cron-sheehy.com
Rockwell Church 