Raymond Thomas Hersman

All are invited for luncheon and fellowship immediately following the funeral service at
The Center ~ 900 Whiting Drive, Yankton, SD
CLERGY
Fr. Gerald Thury, Wake Service and Committal Service
Fr. Mark Lichter, Funeral Mass
MUSIC
Organist ~ Shirley Jennewein
Music by Yankton Catholic
Community Funeral Choir
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS
All of Ray’s Pinochle-Playing Friends
CASKETBEARERS
Ken Weisser
Rex Weisser
Mike Ferwerda
Tom Ranek
Ron Humpal
Dean Putnam
Raymond Thomas “Ray” Hersman was born on  Wednesday, February 12, 1930 in Scotland, South Dakota to Joseph and Emilie (Magera) Hersman. He graduated from Tyndall High School in 1948 and worked at Riven’s Store until 1955. Ray began working in food service in the Dietary Department at the Human Services Center in Yankton, where he worked until 1992. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Ray loved to dance and play pinochle and prepare Bohemian food. To many, especially at Sacred Heart Church, he was known as “the Pie Man.” He volunteered at The Center, where he always made potato dumplings. On Fridays, he enjoyed working with his brother Joe in the garden. Ray passed away on Monday, May 31, 2010, having attained the age of 80 years, 3 months and 19 days. Ray will be remembered for his kindness throughout his life, and that spirit of giving continued beyond his passing with the generous donation of his organs that will benefit many.
Ray is survived by two brothers: Ernie Hersman of Hermosa and Joseph (Sue) Hersman of Tyndall; two sisters: Caroline Weisser of Yankton and Helen (Layton) Ferwerda of Yankton; eight nieces and nephews: Kathy Ewing, Ken Weisser, Lori Ranek, Rex Weisser, Tina Humpal, Ginger Kortan, Mary Ferwerda and Michael Ferwerda; many step-nieces and nephews; and friends too numerous to mention.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Emilie Hersman, and a brother, Robert J. Hersman.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for The Center in Yankton.