Ray Ronald ‘Butch’ Freese, age 63 of Austin, died Wednesday May 23, 2012, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin.

He was born Aug. 10, 1948, in Austin, Minnesota to John J. and Ruby (Truhlar) Freese. He attended school in Brownsdale and Rose Creek, and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1971-1972.

Ray worked as a route carrier for the Austin Daily Herald and the Mower County Shopper. Most recently, Ray worked as a truck driver and helped set up carnival rides.

Ray is survived by his longtime companion Becky Schuna, Austin; three sons; siblings: Rosie (Cecil) Haskin of Denver, Iowa, Jacob ‘Jack’ (Karen) Freese, Grand Meadow, Frank ‘Sonny’ Freese of Austin, Joe (Betty) Freese, St. Paul, Joyce Chapek, Albert Lea, Pearl Ferguson, Austin, Ward ‘Peewee’ (Sue) Freese, Blooming Prairie; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Ruby; brothers Elmer ‘Cookie’ and John ‘Johnny’ Freese; sister Peggy Batdorf, brothers-in-law Alvin Chapek and Richard Batdorf; great nephew Randy Stahl II; niece Betty Jo Oswald.

Memorial services will be held at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin at 1 p.m. Thursday May 31, 2012, with the Chaplain Pam Solberg of St. Mark’s Lutheran Home officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Military honors by American Legion Post 91. Interment will be in Fort Snelling Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.