Raymond Langstraat

Raymond Langstraat, 73, of Leighton passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa. Raymond John Langstraat, son of Richard and Alice (Vermeer) Langstraat, was born May 11, 1944, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Raymond was a 1963 graduate of Oskaloosa High School and began working with his father farming on a place north of the Nelson Pioneer Farm. Farming was Raymond’s career for most of his life; in addition to crop farming, he also had milk cows and raised hogs and chickens. Raymond loved horses and at one time owned 36. In 1986, he semi-retired from farming and worked for Clow Valve Company, Cargill, the Eddyville Meat Locker and Etchers Dairy Farm in Lovilia. Most recently he worked part-time for Keith Van Waardhuizen with farming. Ray married Elizabeth Briney and to that union four children: Rick, Tammy, Scott, and Mike were born. They later divorced. He then married Mary Whitsel and that union two children: Lance and Little Ray were born. They too, later divorced. Ray enjoyed working, but in his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and canning. He also enjoyed western novels and movies and collecting eagles. Ray was a member of the National Rifle Association. He is survived by his companion and special friend, Gail Yurgel of Leighton; his children and their spouses: Rick Langstraat of Oskaloosa, Tammy Langstraat (Dewayne Jemison) of Beacon, Scott Langstraat (Leann Iseton) of Oskaloosa, and Lance Langstraat of Oskaloosa; three grandchildren: Ariel Langstraat, Crystal (Alan) Fawcett, and Joshua (Nicole) Jemison; four great-grandchildren: Coleton and Hailee Fawcett, and Kimber and Karver Jemison; and several brothers and sisters. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by two sons: Mike and Little Ray; and a brother and a sister. In accordance with his wishes, Ray’s body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday morning, September 23, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory with Pastor Alvern Boetsma of the Good News Chapel officiating. The family will greet visitors from 10 a.m. to service time. Memorial contributions can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Raymond Langstraat, 73, of Leighton passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa. Raymond John Langstraat, son of Richard and Alice (Vermeer) Langstraat, was born May 11, 1944, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Raymond was a 1963 graduate of Oskaloosa High School and began working with his father farming on a place north of the Nelson Pioneer Farm. Farming was Raymond’s career for most of his life; in addition to crop farming, he also had milk cows and raised hogs and chickens. Raymond loved horses and at one time owned 36. In 1986, he semi-retired from farming and worked for Clow Valve Company, Cargill, the Eddyville Meat Locker and Etchers Dairy Farm in Lovilia. Most recently he worked part-time for Keith Van Waardhuizen with farming. Ray married Elizabeth Briney and to that union four children: Rick, Tammy, Scott, and Mike were born. They later divorced. He then married Mary Whitsel and that union two children: Lance and Little Ray were born. They too, later divorced. Ray enjoyed working, but in his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and canning. He also enjoyed western novels and movies and collecting eagles. Ray was a member of the National Rifle Association. He is survived by his companion and special friend, Gail Yurgel of Leighton; his children and their spouses: Rick Langstraat of Oskaloosa, Tammy Langstraat (Dewayne Jemison) of Beacon, Scott Langstraat (Leann Iseton) of Oskaloosa, and Lance Langstraat of Oskaloosa; three grandchildren: Ariel Langstraat, Crystal (Alan) Fawcett, and Joshua (Nicole) Jemison; four great-grandchildren: Coleton and Hailee Fawcett, and Kimber and Karver Jemison; and several brothers and sisters. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by two sons: Mike and Little Ray; and a brother and a sister. In accordance with his wishes, Ray’s body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday morning, September 23, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory with Pastor Alvern Boetsma of the Good News Chapel officiating. The family will greet visitors from 10 a.m. to service time. Memorial contributions can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Raymond Langstraat

May 11, 1944 - September 19, 2017