Raymond L. “Ray” Haafke, 90 of Bronson, Iowa passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. Services will be held 11:00am Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Holly Springs Bible Church. Burial will be in Floyd Cemetery in Bronson, Iowa. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Raymond Lee Haafke was called home to our lord on Thursday, June 27, 2024.  Ray was born on Nov. 6, 1933, in Sioux City, Ia. to Herman and Jeanette Haafke. He grew up in the Bronson area and graduated from Bronson High School in 1953. He then got drafted into the Army in 1953. He spent two years in Puerto Rico and later was discharged and he returned to Bronson, Ia.

Ray went on to farm near Bronson. He later married the love of his life, Kathryn Ann Masters on March 2, 1956. They had six children, including twin daughters. They were married for 65 years until the passing of his wife, Kathy, in 2021. In 1969, Ray served as Deputy Sheriff in Woodbury County for nearly 28 years until his retirement in 1996.

Since his retirement, Ray began collecting antique tractors. He showcased many of them in the yearly 4th of July parades in Bronson. Even more so, being a member of the tractor club, he enjoyed the destination rides including the KICD tractor ride in Spencer, and in the Black Hills. Ray also enjoyed dining out and enjoying a piece of French silk pie from Perkins and fried chicken from Sneaky’s Chicken. He enjoyed spending time outside farming, mowing, splitting wood and attending auctions. Ray enjoyed traveling as well. One of his favorite spots was Hawaii and had traveled to the islands seven times with his wife. And as an Army Veteran, he received the Quilt of Valor at the Woodbury County Fair in 2023. Overall, Ray truly loved spending time with his family and friends, his cat “Minky” and feeding his pet raccoons.

Ray was an active member in his church, Holly Springs Bible Fellowship, for approximately twenty years and enjoyed supporting the church by participating and giving his time to help others in need. Ray led by example and was an exemplary asset to his family, friends and community.

Survivors include: a daughter, Debbie (Tom) Kim (Haafke) of Seattle, WA; a son, Michael (Candice) Haafke of Bronson, Ia.; a son, Ron (Heidi) Haafke of Hanover, Penn.; a daughter, Jeanne (Bruce) Hohbach (Haafke); daughter, Karyl Ann Haafke of Seattle, WA, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ray was proceeded in death by his wife, Kathryn Haafke (Masters); his twin brother, Richard Allen Haafke; his daughter, Judy Rae Bramble (Haafke); his son-in-law, Marshall Bramble, his grandson, Christopher Bramble; and his infant brother, Donald Dean Haafke.

The family would like to thank St.Croix Hospice, Waterbury Funeral Services and Holly Springs Bible Fellowship for the care and support given to Ray and his family