Dec. 14, 1923-Aug. 29, 2010 CAMBRIDGE, Nebraska -- Raymond "Ray" Walter Ficken, 86, passed away Sunday (Aug. 29, 2010) at the Tri Valley Heath System Long Term Care Facility.

He was born on Dec. 14, 1923, south of Eustis, Nebraska to John and Johannah (Noltensmeier) Ficken. He was baptized on Jan. 20, 1924 and confirmed April 10, 1938 at the Salem Lutheran Church in rural Elwood, Nebraska. He attended the Salem Lutheran School.

Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps Aug. 16, 1944. He served in the European Theatre. Ray was honorably discharged on July 16, 1946. He was a member of the VFW. Ray returned from the war to the family farm.

On Aug. 22, 1954, he was united in marriage to Betty Robeson at Salem Lutheran Church. To this union two daughters were born, Jeanine and Rhonda. Ray transferred his church membership to the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. During this time he served on various boards of the church.

Ray and Betty "retired" from the farm that was 15 miles north of Holbrook and moved to Cambridge. He then became a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Due to declining health he had spent the last few years in the Cambridge Manor.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, John and Johannah; brothers, Herman and Arthur; sister, Alvena Wickencamp; one niece; and four brothers-in-law, Fay Robeson, Robert Mishler, Robert Siebecker, and William Wickencamp.

He is survived by his wife, Betty of Cambridge; two daughters, Jeanine and husband, Perry Quigley of Indianola, Nebraska, Rhonda and husband, Lynn Randolph of McCook, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Austin and wife, Amanda Randolph, Justin Randolph, Tyler and husband, Tyler Loop, Chris Quigley, and Chelsey Quigley; and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services are Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cambridge with Pastor David Feddern officiating. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery at Cambridge. Military honors will be at the graveside.