Raymond Johan Vangen, 84 of Monona, Iowa passed away Monday, February 13, 2023 at The Gardens of Cedar Rapids in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Raymond was born July 18, 1938 to Johan and Evelyn (Jacobus) Vangen in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He graduated from DeSoto High School in 1956. Ray continued his education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, earning a degree in Physical Education.
On June 28, 1958, Ray was united in marriage with Janet Burke in Westby, Wisconsin. Three children were born to this union. Throughout the years, Ray taught Science and Biology at the MFL School. He coached several sports, including football, basketball and track. Ray also was an Umpire and Referee. He retired in 2000. Ray was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa where he ushered many times. He enjoyed helping in the butterfly garden, collecting antiques, going to auctions, watching Packer football and painting houses in the summer.
Surviving Ray are his wife, Janet Vangen of Monona, Iowa; two daughters, Vannessia (David) Klinsky of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Kimberly (Patrick) Marshall of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; grandchildren, Alissa (Braulio) Mendoza of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Erik (Briona) Klinsky of Queen Creek, Arizona, Alexandra Klinsky of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Takara (Dustin) Smithey of Richland Center, Wisconsin, Joseph (Shelley) Marshall of West Des Moines, Iowa and Mallory Marshall of Des Moines, Iowa; two great-grandchildren, Connor Mendoza and Kennedy Marshall; in-laws, Edward (Mary) Burke of Westby, Wisconsin, Jerry (Kay) Burke of Viroqua, Wisconsin and Charlene (Jerry) Smith of La Crosse, Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his son, Jonathan Vangen; parents, Johan and Evelyn Vangen; and his in-laws, Melvin and Goldie Burke.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, February 17, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Erika Lenth.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.