Photo Album

 

Ray Sibley, "Mr. Softball & Father of the RSA"

Raymond Lester Sibley - Rochester 08/10/2009

ROCHESTER - A Traditional Roman Catholic Latin Requiem Mass will be held for Raymond Lester Sibley at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester. 

Mr. Sibley, 89, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009.

Ray was born to Fred and Dora Sibley on July 19, 1920, in Rochester. He attended Northrop School, Central School, and is a 1937 graduate of Rochester High School. While in school he was selected to Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society.

In July 1941, he converted to the Roman Catholic faith and joined St. John's Catholic Church. On Oct. 14, 1941, he married Eileen Catherine McConnell in Rochester. They made their home here and raised eight children, all graduates of Lourdes High School. Eileen died on July 1, 2000.

Mr. Sibley was drafted for military duty in June 1944. He served in the 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbirds" in the U.S. 7th Army, and was involved in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. He earned the rank of Technician 5th Grade (Corporal). He took great pride in being a member of "The Greatest Generation." He was a member of the Legion, VFW and Disabled American Veterans, and was very proud of his longtime involvement with the Soldiers Field Memorial Committee. He spent hundreds of hours researching information for the Wall of Remembrance that stands in honor of those who have died in service. He understood the importance of telling the stories of war so that people can be reminded that freedom isn't free.

Ray was very proud of his profession of senior engineering technician/inspector for the Rochester City Engineers section of the Department of Public Works. He participated in the planning and building of many of the area roadways and bridges. He valued hard work.

He played fast-pitch softball and later umpired, and in 1984 was inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame as a catcher with over 30 years of competition. He was a 60-year member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the John Birch Society. In addition to softball and veterans activities, he loved fishing and playing pinochle. 

His Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life. He served as Chief Lay Parish Advisor and later as Advisor Emeritus to Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in rural Rochester. 

Mr. Sibley is survived by eight children, Jim Sibley, John (Lois) Sibley, Mary Jane (C. Donald) Hass, Sheila (Tom) Walsh, Charles "Chuck" Sibley, and Julie Assef, all of Rochester, Rosemary (Timothy) Teas of Brooklyn Center, Minn., and Barbara Sibley of St. Paul. He had 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Swenson of Rochester, and an infant brother.

Friends may call on Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Macken Funeral Home, with a Celebration and Time of Sharing at 6:30 p.m. and Rosary at 8 p.m. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday.

Memorials are suggested to Seasons Hospice, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial Committee or the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.

 

Tyler Glynn, Mike Macken, Becky Macken, Joe Jennison, Cindy Nelsen

VJ Thiesse, Jodi Schmidt at Joe's HOF Induction Ceremony.

 

Tournament Director Joe Jennison, updating brackets.

 

Maria Irish & Men's Rep Mike Macken, making burgers.

 

Special thanks to all of you who volunteer your time to promote RSA events. Every dime we make, goes directly into improving the McQuillan Complex. Something we will all enjoy for many, many years!!