Raymond “Ray” V. Wiste, 55, of Plainview, Minnesota, passed away at his home Friday morning, Jan. 29, 2016, with his family by his side.

Raymond Verdon Wiste was born Jan. 20, 1961, in Austin, Minnesota, to Dale and Joan (Sabanish) Wiste. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and attended school in Austin and Southland graduating in 1979 from Southland. He went on to Jackson Vo-Tech in Jackson, Minnesota, where he received a degree as a construction electrician. On July 18, 1981, he married Lillian “Lilly” Douty in Adams, Minnesota.

Ray loved his work as an industrial electrician for 17 years, building power plants, well sites, and compressor stations. He had brain surgery for epilepsy in 1991 which left him seizure free. It made life so much more enjoyable for him. He enjoyed life to the fullest because he was seizure free and had no worries. He traveled for his work and got to see a lot of the United States. Lilly joined him for the last eight years of working and worked with him. They got to see places together which made it more enjoyable. They also traveled to Australia and New Zealand for their 25th wedding anniversary.

Ray and Lilly enjoyed attending many concerts together. He had a good ear for music and could play guitar by ear. Ray had a natural talent for singing and playing the guitar, and would pick up the guitar in his spare time and play. Ray also loved to grill and smoke food. He loved to cook for family gatherings, and made many carrot cakes at Christmas time for friends and family. He always dreamed of starting a “Carrot Cake” business. Ray especially treasured his grandchildren and time spent with them.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Lilly Wiste of Plainview; two daughters: Megan (John) Rodriguez of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Morgan (Josh Finne) Wiste of Plainview; six grandchildren: Brandon, Jacob, David, Julia, Colten, and Blaise; honorary son-in-law, John Schmit; his mother, Joan (Wayne) Skov of Lyle, Minnesota; two sisters: Renae (Dayle) Goskesen, and Rhonda (John) DeVries both of Austin, Minnesota; a brother, Roger (Gina) Wiste of Ninilchik, Alaska; mother-in-law, Doris Douty of Adams, Minnesota; brother-in-law’s and sister-in-law’s: Bob (Janet) Douty of Rose Creek, Minnesota, Kay (Denny) Distad of Burnsville, Minnesota, Lester (Sue) Douty of Riverside, California, Janette (Tom) Nolan of Mankato, Minnesota, Monica (Larry) Mullenbach of Rose Creek, Minnesota, Lynn (Russ) Weber of Brownsdale, Minnesota, Jim (Sarah) Douty of Adams, Minnesota, and Julene (Michael) Nolan of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents.

Friends and family may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel in Plainview and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016. The funeral service for Ray will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at the funeral home with Pastor Chuck Coggins officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Plainview at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel, 10 E Broadway, PO Box 608, Plainview, MN, 55964, 507-534-2353. Guest register may be signed on line at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.