Peggy Watters' ex-husband, Ray Fiebranz

Raymond Arthur Fiebranz, 67, died peacefully at his home in Oak Grove on Thursday, December 22, 2011.

Raymond was born January 6, 1944 to Arthur and Margaret (Schulke) Fiebranz in Alexandria. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Carlos and graduated from Jefferson Senior High School.

Ray married Peggy (Watters) and they had five children, Kathern, Karen, Linda, William and Robert. The family farmed and pursued small business endeavors for several years. Although the marriage did not endure; he cared deeply for Peggy and they later became good friends.

Ray was a farmer in his heart and loved to help living things grow and flourish. Over the years he cared for his gardens and pets. In 1987 Ray moved to the metro and began working for Air Quality Engineering. He enjoyed working at the company for more than 20 years.

On Ray’s birthday in 2009 he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with cancer. After a few months of care and treatments, he was given six months or less to live. At that point he chose to forgo any additional treatments and put his life and death in our Lord’s hands. Each holiday or special event that passed we gave thanks he was still with us. He was thankful for his second life in which he was blessed with three additional great-grandchildren and many family gatherings. He was especially thankful for the chance to make many special memories with us, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although we will miss him daily, we know he is in a much better place. It was wonderful to watch him grow his spiritual life in preparation for his journey.

Ray is survived by his mother, Lorna Fiebranz of Alexandria; daughters, Kathern (Greg) Niblett of Alexandria, Linda (Chad) Fiebranz of Victor, ID; daughter-in-law, Pamela Fiebranz of Blaine; son, Robert (April) Fiebranz of Oak Grove; grandchildren, Steven (Michaela) Niblett of Carlos, Lauren (Phil) Kujawa of Alexandria, Madilyn, Isabella and Sofia Fiebranz of Oak Grove, Jenny (Chad) Lenow of Blaine; and great-grandchildren, Kaija, Easton and Grayer Niblett of Carlos, Logan Niblett and Gauge Kujawa of Alexandria and Jack and Wyatt Lewnau of Blaine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Margret; Peggy Nelson, infant daughter Karen and his son, William.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2012 at the Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Funeral Chapel with Pastor Dale Swan officiating. Music will be provided by Becky Pansch. Memorials are preferred to Feed My Starving Children, 401 93rd Ave NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433. Interment will be at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria at a date to be determined. Honorary pallbearers are Ray’s children and grandchildren.