Colleen A. (Mrs. Burton) Raymer, age 78, of Bradley, SD, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at the hospital in Watertown, SD. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Watertown. Rev. Ken Mund will officiate. Music will be provided by Eloise Falk as organist with Jennifer Falk as soloist. Cassie Altfillisch will be the eulogist. The family is requested to meet at the church on Wednesday by 10:30 a.m. for a prayer service.
Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
Burial will take place at Prairie Hill Cemetery in Bradley, SD. Pallbearers will be Trevor Raymer, Matthew Raymer, Corey Raymer, Ryan Fischer, Tony Johnson and Chad Altfillisch.
Colleen was born on February 16, 1939, at Bradley, SD, to Orlin and Opal (Luy) Neal. She and Burton grew up in Bradley together and were high school sweethearts in the mid 1950's. They made countless memories, in a thriving small American town, that their family members cherish to this day.
Following graduation, Colleen married Burton Raymer on August 10, 1957, at Bradley Baptist Church in Bradley. When Burton decided to farm, the couple lived in a trailer home in Bradley until moving to the family farm where they have lived since. Colleen and Burton watched as their home town's population aged and declined, but with their determination, positive attitudes and the family's hard work, they were able to continue to own and operate a successful farming operation.
She enjoyed gardening, yard work and watching her peacocks. Colleen also enjoyed raising bottle calves and helping with the field work.
Colleen is survived by her husband, Burton, of Bradley; three children: Randy Raymer and Cindy (Rick) Bruns all of Bradley and Shayne (Amy) Raymer of Florence, SD; eight grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth (Verla) Ackley, of Watertown; and one sister, Frances Geissinger, of Willmar, MN. She is also survived by her favorite pets, "Baby" the cat and "George" the peacock.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Harold; and one sister, Bernece Luvaas.
Service Details.
Visitation
When: March 14, 2017 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel
Address: 208 3rd St SW De Smet SD SD 57231
Service
When: March 15, 2017 11:00am
Location: First Baptist Church
Address: 111 14th Ave NE Watertown , SD 57201
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