Raymond James Degenhart

He was born on Dec. 12, 1932, to Ralph and Barbara Degenhart in Sterling. Ray was one of six children; he had four brothers and one sister.

Ray fell head over heels in love with Magdalene Gertner and proposed to her at her senior dance. They were married eight months later on Jan. 30, 1954. Together they have four children, Ken, Sharon (Degenhart) Herdman, Gary and Mark.

In 1956, Ray began a career at Meadow Gold Dairy in Sterling where he worked for nine years. In June of 1965, he had an accident that would forever change his life. He experienced a severe back injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite his obstacles, Ray always kept his faith in God and never let his disability hold him back. Shortly after spending months in the hospital recovering, Ray enrolled at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling. Once he received his degree at NJC, Ray moved his family to Greeley in 1968. He continued his education at the University of Northern Colorado. He ultimately earned his PhD in 1973. Shortly after he graduated, he began working in Business Administration at UNC. Ray retired as the Director of University Budgets in 1999. He was loved and respected by his staff and built many life-long relationships.

Ray’s family adored and admired him, but no one loved him more than his wife, Maggie, who he has now re-united with in Heaven. They lived a sweet and humble life together over their 65 years of marriage. Ray was a respected family leader and example of overcoming adversity. He taught his family to pray, love the Lord, love others and to always persevere. His four children are great examples of Ray’s love, respect and leadership. His seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren know of “Grandpa Ray’s” generosity, unconditional love and human kindness. Ray’s friends and family will remember him for his infectious positive attitude on life, joyful spirit and sense of humor. He was always humming a joyful tune or telling a “good” joke. He will be greatly missed yet the family is finding much comfort in knowing he is dancing in Heaven on his own two feet with his beautiful wife.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Raymond Degenhart Memorial Scholarship (for students with disabilities), C/O UNC Foundation, 1620 Reservoir Road, Greeley, Colo. 80631 or in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 6521 W. 29th St., Greeley, Colo. 80634.