Raymond Eugene Worden

Raymond Eugene Worden, age 81, of Mankato, died Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in Mankato, MN.

Visitation will be held from 4-7pm, Friday, January 26, 2024 at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary. Memorial service will be 11am, Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Woodland Hills Memorial Park. Please share a memory of Ray and view his video tribute at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Ray was born June 6, 1942 to Raymond and Elaine (Blome) Worden in Ledyard, IA. He graduated from Ceylon High School in 1960. On March 4, 1961, Ray was united in marriage to Karla Kleine and were married for 57 years. They resided in Welcome, Minnesota before moving to Mankato in 1961. Together, they raised two daughters, Lori and Michele. When asked what he would say about himself and his life he said, “I was a reasonably nice guy who enjoyed the life he lived.” As always, humble.  Over the years, he worked in accounting, purchasing and materials management at employers such as Honeymead, St. Peter Hospital, and Mankato Ford. He was well regarded for his detailed work, willingness to learn, and dedication to a job well done.

He was hardworking, fair, gentle, intelligent, and never met a stranger. Ray was a car enthusiast with incredible depth of knowledge, ability, and love of a challenge. He would spend his free time working on cars, attending car shows and roll-ins, having coffee with friends, and especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Ray is survived by his daughters, Lori (Van) Mettler and Michele (Jon) Moldstad; grandchildren, Travis Klugherz, Erikka (Eric) Hanson, Joshua (Christine) Mettler, and Andrew (Hannah Martin) Rydeen; great-grandchildren Jurni, Knox, and Hadley Rydeen, Delta Mettler, Ethan, and Everett Hanson; sister, Paula (Palmer) Olson; brother, Dave Worden; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karla; sister, Donna Dickman; sisters-in-law, Shari Worden and Bonnie Dalen; and brother-in-law, Fred Kleine.