Raymond Decker Erpenbach passed away peacefully on May 2, 2017 at the age of 86. Throughout his final days, he was surrounded by his wife of 65 years, Marilyn, family and friends.
Ray was born on June 17, 1930 in Glendive. He was the fourth of eight children born to Matt and Mary Decker Erpenbach. Ray spent his childhood in Glendive, and graduated from Dawson County High School where he excelled in multiple sports. Ray had a passion for football and played in the Montana State All Star Shrine game in 1949. Ray met his wife Marilyn in Glendive and the two were married on August 16th, 1952.
During his 33 year career with Burlington Northern Truckline, Ray and Marilyn moved throughout Montana and North Dakota, settling in Spokane on Christmas Eve in 1968. Ray began working for his son-in-law’s, Randy Hastings, company R&R Heating and Air Conditioning in 1994, finally retiring in 2010.
Throughout their 65 year marriage, Ray and Marilyn welcomed 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend anyone could hope for, and he will be forever missed.
He is preceded in death by his son, Tom Erpenbach; and son-in-law, Bruce Senn.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his brother, Jimmy (Charlotte); sister, Kay (Leon Sevier); son, Mike (Cheri); daughters, Sandra (Trevor Thies), Cheryl (Randy Hastings), Judy Senn; and daughter-in-law, Lori Erpenbach. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ami, Meghan (Tyson Slick), Andrea, Lars (Ariel), Hannah Thies, Hilary Hastings and Emily Hastings; and great-grandchildren, Payton, Carson, Taven, Ahtiana, Taleigha and Elouise.
The family wishes to extend gratitude to Hospice House of North Spokane for their care of Ray and his loved ones during the final days.
Funeral services were held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Spokane on Friday, May 5th at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Ray’s name.