Raymond Louis Georgesen

Raymond L. Georgesen, 87, of South Sioux City, NE passed away on Friday, January 7, 2011 at a Sioux City hospital.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City, NE with Father Daniel Wittrock officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Salix, Iowa at a later date. Visitation with the family present will begin at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 P.M. at the Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. Online condolences may be sent at www.mohrfuneralhome.com.Raymond Louis was born October 2, 1923 to Louis and Bernice (Mast) Georgesen in rural Hubbard, NE. He grew up on a farm and went to school in Homer, NE. He married Bonnie Eveleth on January 26, 1946 at St. Joseph Church in Salix, Iowa. The couple would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this month. He lived in South Sioux City for over fifty years.Ray never knew a stranger and he had an inborn ability for salesmanship, winning an award for selling seed corn when he was in the eighth grade. He farmed, but soon began selling farm equipment, co-owning an implement store in Walthill, NE. He then went to work as a territory manager for Gehl Manufacturing Company, a company that manufactures feeding equipment for farmers. After four years he was promoted to Regional Sales Manager and traveled most of the western United States and Canada. He retired after working 34 years with the company.He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City, NE and the Knights of Columbus.Ray enjoyed all family activities and his home was always opened to family and friends. He loved anything motorized, which included boating, snowmobiling and NASCAR races.Left to mourn his loss are his wife, Bonnie and daughter, Rebecca Georgesen, both of South Sioux City, NE; two sons, Bruce (Michelle) Georgesen and Mark (Barbara) Georgesen, all of St. Paul, MN; three grandchildren, Chelsea and Stephanie Georgesen of St. Paul, MN and Boone Kirby of South Sioux City, NE; three sisters, Geneva Van Cleave of South Sioux City, NE, Luverne Rembold of Blair, NE and Margie Jensen of Lincoln, NE; and many nieces and nephews.Preceding him in death are his parents; an infant sister, Elaine; and sister, Nadine Harris.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be designated between the family's favorite charities.