God needed a good mechanic, so He called Ray home on
Sept. 29, 2004.

Raymond Einar Ovick, the son of Victor and Ella (Hennen), was born April 25, 1928 near Pine City, Minn. This was the same year that his beloved 1928 Plymouth Roadster was manufactured. Both of them were cut from a pattern that can never be duplicated.

Ella and Victor Ovick raised their four sons, Al, Ervin, Robert, and Raymond in the Pine City area. Victor owned and operated a local automobile repair shop, and Ella served up great tasting food at what was then known as the Rainbow Cafe.

Ray met many of his friends, including his wife Donna, in Rush City, Minn. Ray and Donna were wed on Sept.16, 1950. Four children were born to this marriage; Barbara, Steven, Roxanne, and Scott, all were raised in the same town their father grew up in.
In keeping with his brotherís service records during World War II (his older brother flew daring missions over the ìBurma humpî); Ray served his country during the Korean Conflict by joining the United States Army.

He grew up surrounded by cars and they soon became his livelihood and passion, along with his devotion to family and church. He worked with cars all his life, starting at a local dealership and moving on through many automobile companies. His longest period of service was with Toyota, where he was regional service manager for over 20 years.

Eventually Rayís passion with cars also became his hobby. His wife and children, at some point, also came to love his many projects, whether fixing, driving, or just enjoying his treasures. It was his family and cars that gave Ray the joy and humor he so easily spread to everyone he met, whether it was a doctor, nurse, friend, or family member. Always easy to strike up a conversation, he made friends wherever he went. He was a world traveler, however, he felt most at home with his family, friends, cars, and his God. At very special mold has been broken and all that knew him will miss him dearly.

At age 76, Ray passed away at his Pine City residence and is now reunited with his beloved wife Donna, his parents Victor and Ella, his three brothers, and he can once again play with his special grandson, Jacob Hahn. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-laws: Barbara and Rodney Hahn of Chaffee, ND, and Roxanne and Thomas Zaun of Plymouth, Minn; sons and daughter-in-law: Steven Ovick, Liz Ovick, and Scott Ovick, all of Pine City; grandchildren: Joshua, Jeffrey, Ryan, Stephanie, Kristina, and Holly; his good friend, Jean; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, at Zion Lutheran Church in Pine City with the Reverend Glen Kleppe officiating. Music was provided by Katy Kleppe. Casket bearers were Allan Johnson, Bob Booth, Fred Engler, Clark Kick, Ron Smetana, and Don Delak. Military rites were performed by the Minnesota National Guard, Company B, 194th Armored Division. Interment was at the Birchwood Cemetery, Pine City. Arrangements were entrusted to the Swanson Chapel, Funeral and Cremation Service, Pine City, Minn.

Top of Page

©ECM Post Review

6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com