Gerhard Ray “Butch” Hylland
Thursday, November 30, 1944
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Age:
70 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday March 20, 2015
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Saturday March 21, 2015
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Chatfield Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Saturday March 21, 2015
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Chatfield Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Oakwood Cemetery
Thursday, November 30, 1944
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Age:
70 years old
Thursday, November 30, 1944
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Age:
70 years old
Gerhard Ray “Butch” Hylland
We honor the passing of a husband, father, and friend.
On Tuesday March 17th 2015, Gerhard Ray “Butch” Hylland passed away peacefully at home after many years of valiantly battling cancer. Ray was born November 30th 1944 to Raymond and Elna Hylland in Buffalo Center, Iowa. He graduated from high school in Lake Mills, IA in 1962 and eagerly awaited his 18th birthday to join the US Marine Corps to defend his country. While in the Marines he earned two meritorious awards, one for saving the life of a fellow marine who was drowning in the South China Sea and one for his outstanding efforts.
Ray worked in electronics for 18 years, owning several Sound World locations for much of that time. His second career was as the president of Geotek, a composites manufacturing company, for 22 years. He earned his B.S. from Winona State in 1996. Ray was proud to have obtained his Private Pilot Certificate.
Ray was active in both his church and community, serving as congregation president at Chatfield Lutheran Church, president of both the Rochester and Midwest District Exchange Clubs, a Mason, and rode for several years with the Rochester Shrine Cycle Patrol. An avid runner, Ray completed four marathons and several other races. He also enjoyed golfing, playing cards, caring for the woods around his property and bird watching.
Ray is survived by his mother Elna, a loving wife Nancy (Lanswerk) Hylland of 40 years, four children; two with first wife Kathy Skjeveland: Raylene Hylland, and Kirk Hylland (Susan Lawrence), and with Nancy: Rebecca Peterson (Darren Peterson), and Daniel Hylland (Megan Osborne); two sisters Marlys (Verlyn) Ubben and Rosanne Klemm. He was also a proud Grandfather to: Alexander and Gabriel (of Kirk); Kyle and Ryan (of Rebecca); and Jacob and Nicholas (of Daniel).
Ray is preceded in death by his father Raymond, and his brother David.
A Funeral Service for Ray will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11:00AM at Chatfield Lutheran Church (304 Fillmore St. SE, Chatfield, MN) with Pastor Mark Docken officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2015 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery Rochester.
Memorials are preferred to Shriners Hospitals for Children and Chatfield Lutheran Church.
Condolences
The family of Gerhard Ray “Butch” Hylland has received the following condolences.
We have moved to Owatonna and today I was checking the obituaries on line at the Post Bulletin. I was so sorry to read about Ray's passing. I had many joys working with Ray and visiting with him. I had such respect for him. You and the kids will be in my thoughts and prayers. I can imagine how proud he was of his grandchildren.
Jo Ann Heidecker
The angels in heaven received another one of their own on Tuesday with the passing of Ray . . . . . I knew him best as a wonderful card partner in the 500 card game! Many hugs to Ray's family at this difficult time. May Ray now be able to rest in peace . . . .
I am presently out of the area. My heartfelt sympathy to you & your family Nancy.
I felt very fortunate to have had Ray as a customer & friend for many years. His honesty & integrity were unquestioned.
May God Bless all of you.
Nancy and Family,
It is with great sorrow that I learned of Ray's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences.
I worked for Ray back in the 70's at SoundWorld. After playing in bands for a few years Ray gave me a chance... he said "Show me what you can do." So I started just before the holiday season on a straight commission basis. Shortly after the holiday season I became a full-time employee and learned so much from Ray. During my years at SoundWorld I saw a fair man invest in his employees both personally and professionally. Living away from Rochester for 30 years I saw less of Ray but often would stop by for a visit if hunting in the area. I have always had great affection for Ray because he gave me a chance and invested in me as an individual. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Nancy and Family,
It is with great sorrow that I learned of Ray's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences.
I worked for Ray back in the 70's at SoundWorld. After playing in bands for a few years Ray gave me a chance... he said "Show me what you can do." So I started just before the holiday season on a straight commission basis. Shortly after the holiday season I became a full-time employee and learned so much from Ray. During my years at SoundWorld I saw a fair man invest in his employees both personally and professionally. Living away from Rochester for 30 years I saw less of Ray but often would stop by for a visit if hunting in the area. I have always had great affection for Ray because he gave me a chance and invested in me as an individual. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Hi Nancy and Family,
Ray was so kind, helpful, talented and literally a ray of sunshine for the whole world. We will all miss him dearly. May memories of him comfort you all during this difficult time. Take Care! See you soon!
Prema and the boys.
Nancy and family,
We are so sorry to hear the news about Gerhard. He was a great guy and a wonderful friend. I know you will miss him dearly. He was such a great person who never forgot his friends in Lake Mills. I had the good fortune of using his services and store in Rochester to buy my first color TV in the early 70's. And again in 1982 he wired our new home for a stereo and speaker system, plus a nice large antenna (since we were outside the range of cable). Sadly we only seen each other after those years at our class reunions each 5 years and had a good time catching up on the latest events in our lives at the reunions.
I know he had struggled valiantly for some time, but was always upbeat...very courageous! Sorry to say, we are in Arizona on vacation and will not be able to attend the visitation or funeral, but will have you in our thoughts and prayers.
You have our deepest condonlences and God's strength and blessing through this difficult time.
Paul and Mary Charlson
My sympathy and prayers to Butch's family. I have many fond memories of our high school days.
Our prayers are with you and your family