W. Ray Juhl, 93, of Middle River, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
A Memorial Service in honor of Ray will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at the Middle River Legacy Center in Middle River, MN. A Visitation will take place from 1:30 PM until 2:00 PM the day of the service.
Willis Ray Juhl was born October 29, 1929 at home near Bowesmont, ND the son of Henry and Christina (Berthelsen) Juhl and was lovingly known as Ray throughout his life. He was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a young man. Ray attended the Fleece Country School near Bowesmont, ND and Sheyenne River Academy, Harvey, ND.
On August 7, 1950, Ray was united in marriage to Helen E. Fischer at Ceder Lake, MI. The couple made their home at Bowesmont, ND until 1954 when they purchased the farm near Middle River, MN. To this union four wonderful children were born, Raymond Douglas, Bruce Teel, Rayleen Diane and Shanda Ranae.
He began farming in Bowesmont, but in 1954 he sold that property and bought a farm east of Middle River in Whiteford Township. From 1954 until 1971 Ray and his boys farmed small grains, raised beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and chickens, while Helen and the girls cared for the house and yard and maintained a large garden. Ray enjoyed helping pick and shell peas and husking ground cherries which he really liked.
In 1971, Ray purchased a Kenworth and began part-time over-theroad trucking. In 1973, his interest in making flour developed into the birth of Natural Way Mills which continues to operate to this day. Ray’s mission work began by helping to establish a mission station in southern Mexico in 1972 to where they made several trips over the years. He and Douglas also went to the island of Dominica to set up a flour mill on the island. More recently his efforts support mission work in southern India which include orphanages, building churches and sponsoring pastors.
Survivors include his loving wife of 73 years, Helen E. Juhl of Middle River, MN; children, Doug (Debbie) Juhl of Middle River, Bruce (Shirley) Juhl of Caldwell, ID, Rayleen (Randy) Heinbaugh of Bemidji, MN and Shanda (Marvin) Morrison of Middle River; grandchildren, Laura Juhl, Tara Juhl, Krista Juhl, Nathan Kraulik, Sarah Kraulik Collins, Ryan Heinbaugh, Ranae Heinbaugh; greatgrandchildren, Natalia Weymar, Logan Weymar, Zachary Ballard, Hannah Ballard, Jonah Ballard, Conner Heinbaugh, Mallory Heinbaugh, Kemani Collins, Sydney Collins, Noah Kraulik, Corban Kraulik, Nora Kraulik, Aiden Kraulik; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; sister, Gladys Biloff of Walla Walla, WA; sisters-in-law, Elaine Juhl of Twin Cities, MN and Betty Juhl of Bowman, ND; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Vernon (Ellen), Melvin (Jean), Ralph, Lester (Hilda), Kenneth, Howard (Darlene), and Wayne (Lyndell); and grandson, Russel Heinbaugh.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
