Ray Wigern

Ray Wigern, age 84 of Winnebago and formerly Blue Earth passed away Sunday September 20, 2026 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A memorial service will be held at 11am Tuesday September 29 at the First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago with Pastor Jill Emery officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Kiester. Online condolences can be left at www.pattonfh.com

Ray was born April 6, 1942 in Bricelyn, MN to Henry and Maurene (Baker) Wigern. He attended school and graduated from Kiester in 1960. He helped his dad on the family farm for many years during High School before marrying Sheila Henning December 9, 1960. They were blessed with two daughters. Ray had several jobs in his early years, from driving bus to operating heavy machinery. In 1975, he was hired at Wells Public Utilities, where he started at an entry level position and worked his way up to Superintendent before retiring in 2003.

He was a member of many service clubs, serving on the MMUA state board and the SMMPA in Wells for many years. He received both state and national awards, including the prestigious 7 Hats award while serving. He was also a member of Hope Methodist Church in Blue Earth. In his spare time, Ray enjoyed any outdoor activity, especially his fishing trips with the guys and the time spent at his summer home on Lake Koronis with his family. He also had a talent for woodworking and was lucky to be featured in the Best of Birds and Blooms Book with his invention of an oriole feeder.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Denise (Donnie) Southwick of Waterville and Tami (Tom) Margarit of St. Paul, his six grandchildren and their spouses, 14 great-grandchildren, his partner Kathy Zinniel, and Donna’s son Mark (Teri) Nelson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Marilyn and brother-in-law Dave Greetham and partner of 25 years, Donna Nelson.