Ray DeGuero , 71, Minot, formerly of Washburn, ND and Hayward, WI, died Saturday, December 12, 2009, in a Minot hospital.

Ray was born March 6, 1938, in Denver, Colorado, to Solomon and Lupita (Lopez) DeGuero. He was raised and educated in Oakland, CA where he graduated from high school in 1955.

At the age of 17, Ray entered an iron worker's apprenticeship program that would prepare him for his career in structural steel construction.

Ray was once married to Darlene DeGuero onAugust 24th, 1973,in Crookston, MN. This union was blessed with the birth of a daughter, Jennifer.

He and his family followed his profession from Oakland, CA to Rock Springs, WY until settling in Washburn, ND in 1975, to complete construction on the area power plants. In addition to his work in ND, Ray also was an integral part of steel construction of the downtown Minneapolis area for over twenty-five years until his retirement in 2000.

Ray purchased a lake home in Hayward, WI following his retirement. He spent his time outdoors where he enjoyed yard work. He was called a "quiet shopper." A trait picked up by his daughter. He moved to Minot in the spring of this year to be near his family.

He was a member of the Local Iron Worker's Union's #454 in California, #512 in Minnesota and #793 in North Dakota.

Ray will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

Surviving family includes: Daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Hunze, Minot, ND; Step-daughter, Colleen Brazell, Baldwin, ND; Step-son, Jeff (Tammy) Novak, Jamestown, ND; Grandchildren, Shaelyn and Zachary Hunze; Step-Grandchildren, Jason and Christina Brazell, Bill and Cassandra Brazell, Travis Novak, Joshua Novak and Justin (Heather) Novak; 2 Great Grandchildren; Sister, Mary Lou in Iowa and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Josie, Rosie and Pauline and brothers, Chuck and Ed DeGuero.

Funeral service: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Pioneer Chapel of First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Riverview Cemetery, Washburn, ND
Visitation: There will be no reviewal, however, family and friends are invited to sign the memorial register book one hour prior to the start of the service at the church.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred.