Raymond John Greving

Raymond John Greving was born in Carroll, IA on October 9, 1952, to Bernard and Lucille Greving and died on August 14, 2026. The fourth of nine children and raised on the family’s farm, he understood from a young age the value of a good day’s work. After completing military service in Germany, he learned the trade of carpentry and soon after established a construction business in the Quad Cities.

Although successful by many of this world’s standards, Ray’s humility, kindness, and compassion are the qualities that left the greatest impression on others. His heart always held a special place for those who felt forgotten, broken, or not good enough. And as Ray would be quick to tell you, this was simply the overflow of his own experience of God the Father’s unending grace in his life.

Along with kindness, Ray also had a wonderful sense of humor. Those who knew him well expected to laugh in his presence. As a deeply committed follower of Christ, Ray’s life embodied well the words of C.S. Lewis, “This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously.”

Before the decline of his health, Ray was an active member of Cornerstone Church in Eldridge, Iowa. In addition to using his carpentry skills as a blessing to others, he and his wife, Sharon, enjoyed opening their country home to others and shared a special gift of hospitality. No one ever left their table feeling hungry or doubting how special and loved they are.

Ray is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their blended family of six children: Ben (Liz) Ranfeld, Emily (Roman) Citac, Becky (John) Whitehead, Ryan Greving, Andy (Amanda) Ranfeld, Ben (Stephanie) Greving and their 16 grandchildren, along with Sharon’s mother, Carol Alba, and Ray’s brothers and sisters: Joyce Greving (sister-in-law), Vern (Julie) Greving, Lois Davies, Denise (Cal) Smith, Don (Mary) Greving, Marty (Gail) Greving, Mary (Dale) Klocke, and Fr. Dan.

Before his illness, Ray could oftentimes be heard singing the words of one of his favorite songs, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain. Kings and kingdoms they’ll all pass away, there’s just something about that name.” Now that he is free from the shackles of a stroke laden mind and body, he is undoubtedly singing with all his heart to his Master, Savior, and Friend!

A celebration service will be planned for Spring, 2027.