Herman Raymond Alles

H. Raymond (Ray) Alles, 97, of Greeley, left this earthly life Thursday, May 4, 2017, while a resident at Fairacres Manor, Greeley, CO, after a month of health issues. He will spend eternity with his Lord Jesus Christ.

Raymond was born to Henry and Leah (Fahrenbruch) Alles in their Weld County farm home March 31, 1920. He was the firstborn and only son, followed by sisters Myra (Ben Dumler), Florence (Alan McWilliams) and Shirley (Butch Harding).

Ray attended Greeley schools and graduated from College High School (now University) in 1938. He enjoyed sports during the winter months, but the farm came first the remainder of the year. Ray married Lydia Dumler April 16, 1941 at St. Paul’s Congregational Church. They celebrated 76 years of married life on Easter last month. To the marriage was born three sons, William, Phillip and Steven. Ray and the family lived and worked on various farms until moving into Greeley in 1960. He farmed another 30 years, selling his equipment in 1989. Ray continued to work with other farmers in the area for another ten years, deciding it was time to retire after being seriously injured in an auto accident in 1999. For 25 years Ray also worked the sugar beet campaigns at the Windsor, Johnstown and Greeley factories. Ray taught his sons the value of farming and working hard.

Ray liked farming but his favorite pastime was fishing. He went fishing every chance he got; alone or with friends, it didn’t matter. He usually caught his limit and often caught everyone else’s limit also!

As a young man, Ray recognized his need for a Savior and invited Christ to live and move in him. He became very active in the church, serving in various capacities over the years, always encouraged and supported by Lydia and followed by his sons. God gifted Ray with a beautiful baritone voice for which he will probably be most remembered. He used that gift to bless others at unknown numbers of weddings, funerals, worship services and gatherings of families and friends. He sang in the St. Paul’s choir more years than we can remember, transitioning to the Senior Singers later in life. At the age of 94+, Ray sang Silent Night in German at the Christmas Eve service at St. Paul’s. As recently as late April, Ray blessed his nurses at North Colorado Rehabilitation when he spontaneously sang three hymns for them.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife, Lydia; sons and daughters-in-law William and Beverly, Phillip and Esther of Greeley, and Steven and Burdetta of Wisconsin; grandchildren, Alees Alles, Ryan (Laurie) Alles, Michele Fisher, Andrew (Sara) Alles, Greg (Lisa) Alles, Amy Alles and Dwayne (Maria) Butler; grandson, Michael Alles, is waiting in heaven; thirteen great grands; two great-great grands; brother-in-law Alan McWilliams; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family also survive.

A visitation will be held from 4-6:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at the Allnutt Macy Chapel. Interment will be held at 9:00 A.M. Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, followed by services held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, May 11, 2017, at St. Paul’s Congregational Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Congregational Church Missions in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th Street, Greeley, CO 80631. Friends and family may visit www.allnutt.com to leave condolences for the family.