Raymond R. Moerer

SIOUX CITY -- Raymond R. Moerer, 82, of Sioux City went home to be with the Lord, his Savior, on Thursday, April 14, 2011, at a local hospital.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2011 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, with the Rev. Dann Speichinger officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service time at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to meyerbroschapels.com.

Ray was the firstborn of Richard E. and Ida A. (Bohling) Moerer on March 20, 1929, in Graceville, Minn. He grew up farming in Minnesota before moving with his family to Auburn, Neb., in 1951. Ray served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he began working construction.

He married Lorna Mae Elizabeth Johnson on March 17, 1963, in Omaha. They resided in Auburn, Neb., before moving to South Sioux City in 1965. Ray began construction, building and remodeling on his own as Ray's Builders, building more than 40 homes in the Siouxland region, retiring in 1999.

Ray loved his Lord, first of all, followed by his family, serving wherever and whenever he could for whatever was needed for his church family of Washington Heights Chapel, which included serving as a deacon. Ray was also very involved with the Sergeant Bluff American Legion Post 662. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, cooking, baking, and reading. He also loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Ray is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lorna of Sioux City; four children and their families, Rebekah (Corey) Wacker and their children, Kyle, Lucas, Erica, and Matthew of Sioux City, David (Karen) Moerer and their children, Austin, Ryan, and Carmen of Kansas City, Mo., Steven (Danielle) Moerer and Lana of Liberty, Mo., and Rachel (Michael) Nitz of Sioux City; two brothers, Roger Moerer of Auburn, Neb., and Marvin (Eunice) Moerer of Fairbury, Neb.; five sisters, Elaine Schardt of Deshler, Neb., Margaret (Roger) Simmons of Lincoln, Neb., Norma (Luther) Werth of Livonia, Mich., Dorothy (Terry) Laubsch of Frankenmuth, Mich., and Lucille Moerer of Rochester Hills, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law; mother-in-law; one sister, Judith Moerer; one daughter-in-law; one brother-in-law; one sister-in-law; one nephew; and two nieces.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family which will be divided among several mission programs that Raymond supported.