Raymond "Ray" M. Griess, 72, of Grand Island, died Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Grand Island.

Funeral services will be at 10 am Friday, May 17, 2013 at Evangelical Free Church in Grand Island. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Thursday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the family.

Mr. Griess was born on March 21, 1941 on a farm in Fillmore County. He grew up on the family farm in York County and graduated from Sutton High School.

He was united in marriage to Betty Maynard and the couple made their home on the farm where Ray farmed until retiring in 2002. In retirement Ray loved to travel and for 6 years he spent the winters in McAllen, Texas.

Ray also enjoyed spending time at the Grand Generation Center and going to auctions. He was a people person who enjoyed visiting with friends and strangers alike. His family and friends will remember him as a man who was always willing to help others out. Most of all Ray loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their musicals, wrestling tournaments, football games and other activities.

Survivors of the immediate family include his son and daughter-in-law, Melvin and Julie Griess of Grand Island; his grandchildren, Emily (Drew) Buettner of Kearney, Jake Griess, Melanie Griess and Grady Griess, all of Grand Island; and a brother, Ervin (Celesta) Griess of Sutton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his ex-wife, and his son, Dwayne Griess.


Funeral services will be at 10 am Friday, May 17, 2013 at Evangelical Free Church in Grand Island. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Thursday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home.