Raymond Hernandez Sr., 73, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at his granddaughter’s home in Albert Lea. Raymond had complications of diabetes which led him to having a stroke in the hospital. There wasn’t much more the doctors could do for him, so his family thought the best thing for him was to come home and spend his last remaining days being comfortable, surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren.

A funeral service will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. The Rev. Eugene Stenzel will officiate. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. Friday. A burial will take place at a later date at St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery.

Raymond was born Dec. 16, 1944, to parents Florence Martinez and Sotero Hernandez in San Antonio, Texas. From Texas, Raymond came to Minnesota with family to work in the fields, deciding to make Minnesota their home. Raymond lived in Hollandale for many years until he moved to Albert Lea.

Raymond worked at Albert Lea Foundry, Farmstead,  Farmland, Hudson Foods and Quality Pork Processors. He also worked at The Nasty Habit on weekends until a few months ago.

Raymond loved being around his granddaughters Cheyenne and Addie every day. Not a day went by without him calling them or being with them. Raymond lived uptown and would always look out his window. When he would see his other grandchildren Andrew, Capri and Tyler, he would call out their name through the window with a big smile on his face. Raymond loved his great-grandbabies very much, as well.

Raymond loved sitting under the tree watching cars go by, waving to people. He also loved going to Walmart every chance he got. He enjoyed watching wrestling or going to The Nasty Habit to visit with someone while having a beer and watching a football game.

Raymond is survived by his children Lisa Hernandez, Ray Hernandez Jr., Jessica (Justin) Kane, Monica Hernandez and Jeffery Hernandez; grandchildren Ashley, Adam, Andrew, Capri, Tyler, Cheyenne, Adriana, Dallas and Jonathan; great-grandbabies Sebastian, Renesmae, Mia and Mila; many nieces and nephews who he loved and they loved very much; two brothers and two sisters.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kevin; granddaughter, Cindy; brothers Sotero Jr., Patrick and Herman; and great-nephew, Garren.

Raymond will be missed very much by his children, grandchildren, family and friends.