Ray Rezek, 95, passed away on October 16, 2017, at the VA hospice unit, Ft. Meade, SD.

He was born on January 1, 1922, to Elias and Rose Rezek, on the family farm in Charles Mix County, SD, the middle son of nine children. Ray valued the many life lessons learned while growing up during the "Dirty Thirties" with immigrant homesteading parents. He graduated from Geddes high school at the age of 16, then attended Springfield Normal School, and taught rural "one-teacher country school" at Choteau Creek #9 for two years. WWII began, and Ray joined the U.S. Navy in 1942. He was a signalman, first helping to run convoys across the North Atlantic and then to transport ammunition in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Ray then attended SDSU, graduating with degrees in animal science and agronomy.

He married Grace Maxine Usletten of Brookings, SD, in 1949. To this union, two daughters were born. For 32 years, Ray was a county agricultural extension agent in several SD counties, most notably Lawrence County. He greatly enjoyed and valued his time spent working with area farmers, ranchers, and 4-H youth. He also served on many local and state boards and committees. Over the years, Ray received many awards from state and local associations in recognition of his work in agriculture, including the State Distinguished Service Award in 1967. After retiring from extension work, he became a real estate agent with Century 21 in Spearfish for 27 years, where he especially enjoyed helping families find homes. Grateful for having shared his life are Ray's daughters Connie and Cathy.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, and his wife, Grace Maxine Rezek. He is survived by his children, Constance (Dennis) Petersen, Rapid City and Cathy Hoscheid, Spearfish, and granddaughter Jennifer (Chris) Johnson, Rapid City. A special place in Ray's heart was devoted to his beloved great-granddaughters, Olivia and Madison Johnson, Rapid City, ages 7 and 4 respectively. He is also survived by three siblings: Alyce Baker, Jacksonville FL, James (Merlynn) Rezek, Sioux Falls SD, and Larry (Sharon) Rezek, Redfield SD, and many special nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spearfish. Inurnment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.