Raymond Birchem

Raymond F. Birchem, 74, Browns Valley, MN, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at the Milbank Area Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, April 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Browns Valley with Father David Breu officiating. Music was provided by organist Norma Jung and vocalist Teresa Laleman.

Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Browns Valley. Pallbearers were Anthony Birchem, Christopher Birchem, Gene Birchem, Robert Laleman, Thomas Lafrentz, Ryan Laleman, Jeremiah Lafrentz, Samuel Birchem, Zachary Birchem, and Jhet Birchem.

Visitation was Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Visitation continued Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Raymond Francis Birchem was born April 6, 1940, in Breckenridge, MN, to Harry and Margaret (Miller) Birchem. He attended school in Rosholt graduating from Rosholt High School in 1958. He graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

On July 18, 1961, Raymond married Sandra LeClair at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Browns Valley. After their marriage, Raymond was employed at the Forest Service in St. Maries, Idaho; at the Game Fish and Parks, the South Dakota Department of Transportation, and the South Dakota Department of Environmental and Natural Resources in Pierre. He retired with 42 years of service in 2002. Raymond and Sandy then made their home on Lake Traverse.

Raymond was a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church. He was active in the Knights of Columbus where he was a Fourth Degree Knight and served as secretary. Raymond also ran for city commissioner in Pierre and was a city commissioner engineering advisor.

Raymond loved sports. He was secretary of his bowling league and was an ASA softball umpire. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer. Raymond especially enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball for his sons.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra L. Birchem of Browns Valley; five children, Teresa (Robert) Laleman of Pierre, SD, Anthony (Jennifer) Birchem of Chambersburg, PA, Linda (Thomas) Lafrentz of Pierre, Christopher (Lisa) Birchem of Issaquah, WA, and Gene (DeeAnn) Birchem of Rapid City, SD; seven grandchildren, Ryan Laleman, Nicole Laleman, Jeremiah Lafrentz, Casandra Lafrentz, Samuel Birchem, Zachary Birchem, and Jhet Birchem; and sister, Marion (Allen) Schiltz of Hankinson, ND.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Margaret; and sister, Kathleen Birchem.