Raymond J. Volkenant

Raymond J. Volkenant, 83 of Belgrade, passed peacefully, Thursday, January 15, 2026 in his home in Belgrade. Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.   Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade. 

Raymond John Volkenant was born on October 18, 1942, in Ortonville, the son of Fred and Isadora (Schuelke) Volkenant. He grew up in Ortonville where he attended Ortonville High School, graduating 1961. While still in school he served in the Minnesota National Guard.   On February 7, 1967, Ray was married to Marilyn Doble in Royalton.  They union was blessed with two daughters and a son.  Ray lived in Little Falls, St. Cloud, Appleton, Willmar and New London. He worked for National T Foods, and after his divorce he moved to Belgrade where he drove truck, moving mobile homes for 38 years. In retirement he drove for the BBE School District for many years.  In 1980, Ray met Ruth Stalburger and they shared many years of companionship. They enjoyed going out dancing, sharing weekly dinners, and visiting with each other daily on the phone.

Ray was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.  He enjoyed shaking dice and having coffee with his friends, woodworking, fishing, bird watching, Twins baseball, watching old time shows, especially the Andy Griffith Show and spending time with his grandchildren. 

Ray passed peacefully in his home January 15, 2026, after fighting like hell on his 10 year cancer journey. He is survived by his children, Barbara Walstrom, Debra Volkenant and Michael (Debbie) Volkenant; Ruth’s children, Mark Stalberger and Mary Stalberger; nine grandchildren, Megan (Justin), Levi (Kennedi), Abbie, Nathan, Nicholas, Ryan, Ramon (Perla), Ramiro and Syl; and five, great-grandchildren, Tucker, Mason, Sutton, Raiden and one soon to arrive.                                                                          

He was preceded in death by his parents and long-time, companion, Ruth Stalberger. 

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