Raymond Gene Tollander

Raymond Gene Tollander, age 97, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away on June 18, 2026, at St. Benedictine Living Community in Hastings.

Ray was born on June 13, 1929, in Frederic, Wisconsin, to Florence Tollander. He graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1948, where he lettered in three sports and served as captain of the football team.

Following his graduation in 1948, Ray enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served for two years in Germany.

After completing his military service, Ray began his career at Honeywell and later worked for FMC, where he remained until his retirement.

Ray enjoyed an active lifestyle throughout his life. He loved inline skating, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and biking. An accomplished endurance athlete, he completed numerous inline marathons and half-marathons, including multiple marathons in his 80s—an achievement that reflected his determination, discipline, and passion for staying active. He continued pursuing outdoor activities well into his later years. Ray skied in both the Vasaloppet and Birkebeiner in Wisconsin.

Ray was very active in the bus ministry and was an usher at Fourth Baptist Church in Minneapolis.

Ray is survived by his wife, Charlotte Ortigoza Tollander; his daughter, Laurie (Budd) Sieger of Woodbury; his grandchildren Kristine Sieger and Jared Sieger of Saint Paul; and his stepson Cory Ortigoza.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hastings Senior Living, 901 West 16th Street, Hastings, Minnesota.

Private burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Ray will be remembered for his love of family and church and his dedication to fitness, strong work ethic, and the determination that carried him through nearly a century of life.