Raymond Emanuel Mai, 97, passed away on November 16, 2021, at the Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney. He was born on January 22, 1924, the son of Fred and Marie (Blehm) Mai in the farmhouse in Trego County.

Raymond was raised on the farm in Trego County and went to the Wilcox country school and attended the Zion Lutheran Church, Trego Center. As a young man he worked with the neighborhood farms to help support the family.

On September 21, 1946, he married Velma Giess in Arnold, Kansas.  Raymond and Velma had three girls, Delma, Dana, and Debbie. In July 1975 a tragic car accident took his wife, Velma, and his mother, Marie, in death.

Raymond was active in 4-H, worked for the ASCS office, was a recipient of the master farmer award, he was on the Board of Directors at the Citizens State Bank, Utica, raised registered Hereford cattle, showed and sold registered Hereford bulls and was an active member of the Arnold United Methodist Church. He was an avid bowler, Polka dancer, card player, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.

In 1989 he married Peggy (Hunt) Giess in Arnold. They enjoyed their blended families. Raymond and Peggy traveled, danced, and enjoyed family until her passing on October 16, 2019.

Preceding Peggy in death were her first husband Bob; her sons, Roger and Randy; and granddaughter, Tara. She is survived by Mike and Julie Giess and family, Dave and LaVonne and granddaughter, Kenzie and Rob and sons.

Preceding Raymond in death is his wife, Velma, and wife, Peggy; his parents, Fred and Marie; brothers, Paul, Hubert, Reuben, Art; and a sister Helen; son-in law, Ken; grandson, Christopher; and granddaughter, Paige.

Survivors include daughters, Delma and Larry Collins-McAllister, daughters Michele and family, Misty and boys; Dana and Roger Fagan, son, Darcy, daughter, Danelle and grandson, Kaleb; Debbie and Maurice Friess, son Matthew and family, daughter Desiree and family; his sisters, Thelma, Geri, Rose  and his brothers, Vernon , Fred, George, and Tom.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Arnold on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.  Burial in the Arnold Cemetery. Viewing will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and at the church until service time on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Arnold United Methodist Church or the Trego County-Lemke assisted Living Care Center.

Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book.