Raymond Gellerman

Raymond Eugene “Ray" Gellerman was born June 1, 1931, in St. Paul, Minn. Ray was the ninth of 11 children born to Raymond and Winifred Gellerman.
He attended St. Mark’s Catholic School, Cretin High School and Central High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army as a corporal in the Korean War.
After his service, Ray pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., and later a Master’s degree from Mankato State University.
On Aug. 2, 1958, Ray married the love of his life, Janice Lange, in St. Paul, Minn., beginning a partnership that spanned over six decades. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and adventure.
Ray dedicated his career to helping and inspiring others. As a teacher, coach, counselor and vocational rehabilitation counselor for the Veterans Administration, he touched countless lives with his wisdom, patience and compassion.
A long-time resident of Custer, S.D., Ray embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid sports fan, a passionate traveler and a man of great faith. Whether cheering for his favorite teams, exploring the world, or enjoying quiet moments with family, Ray lived a life rich in experiences and love.
Ray’s legacy of kindness, humor and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Winifred (McHugh) Gellerman; and nine siblings and their spouses.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Janice Gellerman of Sioux Falls; sons, Mike (Kris) Gellerman of St. Paul and Tim Gellerman of Richfield, Minn.; his daughter, Nancy Gellerman of Sioux Falls; four grandchildren, Joanna (Derek) Preston of Madison, Wis., Jack (Palak) Gellerman of Arlington, Va., Alon (Rose) Gellerman of Tracy, Minn., and Leo Gellerman of Glencoe, Minn; his brother, Jim (Janeene) Gellerman of Menomonie, Wis.; brothers-in-law, James (Jerene) Lange of Scio, Ore., and John Lange of St. Cloud, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  
Ray, of Sioux Falls, S.D., passed away Friday, December 13, 2024. He was 93.
His Memorial Mass was Dec. 18 at the Church of St. Mary in Sioux Falls with interment and Military Honors at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls.
In lieu of flowers consider donations to The Bishop Dudley Hospitality House or a charity of your choice.