Funeral services for Frederick Ray Wakefield, 98, of New Richland, will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the First Congregational Church, New Richland. The Rev. Pamela Jensen will officiate. Interment will be at St. Peter Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Ray died Sunday, March 2, 2008, at the New Richland Care Center.

Frederick Ray Wakefield was born on Oct. 19, 1909, to Frank and Margaret (Alcorn) Wakefield in Smallwood Township in Jasper County, Ill. Ray moved to Motley in 1920 and then to the New Richland area in 1931. He married Marian McColley on Oct. 24, 1935, at First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea.

Ray was a founding member of the Minnesota Charolais Association and a

lifelong farmer. He enjoyed raising cattle with his father in Cass County as a youth, and continued with his own son in his later years. He was recognized by the New Richland FFA as an Honorary Chapter Farmer. Ray was an active member of First Congregational Church in New Richland. He enjoyed travel with his wife and visiting many countries. The couple wintered in Arizona, Texas and Florida.

Survivors include his sons, Larry (Joyce) Wakefield of New Richland, Lowell (Darlene) Wakefield of Excelsior and John Wakefield of Hanover; grandchildren, Kyle (Emily) Wakefield of Albert Lea, Travis Wakefield of Owatonna, Daniel Wakefield of New Richland, Susan Wakefield of St. Louis Park, Scott (Lisa) Wakefield of Mayer, Sara Wakefield of St. Louis Park, Aaron (Mary) Wakefield of Hanover, and Adam (Amy) Wakefield of Chanhassen; step grandchildren, Kim (Eric) Neubarth of St. Bonifacius, and Nicole (Ryan) Johnson of St. Bonifacius; great-grandchildren, Samara Wakefield-Wittman, Stella Wakefield, Veronica Wakefield-Young, Nicholas, Katherine and Adamson Wakefield; step great-grandchildren, Hunter Neubarth, Haley Neubarth, and Ashley Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marian in 1999; son, James; sisters, Ethel Wagner, Gladys Tusler and Agnes McColley; and brother, Merle Wakefield.