Louie Van Raay, age 91, of Potter, passed away at Sidney Regional Medical Center on Monday, June 3, 2024. A Rosary Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, June 7, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sidney, NE. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 A.M. with Father C.P. Varghese officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website.
Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. to leave condolences for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to the Potter Volunteer Fire Department.
You may view Louie’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Louie’s care and funeral arrangements.
Louie (Pete) Van Raay Jr. was born on February 10, 1933 at home in rural Gurley only assisted by his two-year-old brother because his father was trying to bring a doctor to the home during a blizzard.
Pete attended school at Potter Public Schools and St. Patrick’s Academy. After he graduated eighth grade from Potter, he devoted his life to the family farm near Potter. He first worked alongside his father and brother John. Later, he worked with his son, Tim. Pete married the love of his life, Dorothy Barnhart, in Sidney, NE, in 1967. Two children were born to this union, Luanna and Tim. His children were his greatest accomplishment. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He lived simply and instilled important values in his children and grandchildren.
A special thank you to the nurses, doctors, and Sidney Regional Medical Center for their exquisite care. These individuals went above and beyond to make Pete as comfortable as possible.
Pete is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Luanna and husband Ernie Soto, Tim and wife Brandi Van Raay, grandchildren Phillip and Isabella Soto, step grandson Creed Klassen, sisters Liz Whitman and Mary Ann and husband Milt Wiegand, nephews Kevin and wife Vickie Schinzel and Mike and wife Chrissy Wiegand, and niece Ann and husband Kerry Hall, brother in laws John and wife Carolyn Barnhart and Ed Barnhart.
He was preceded in death by his parents Louie Sr. and Anna Van Raay, and brothers John and Francis.