Ray M. Beilke, age 94, of Carlos, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at St. Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie.

A memorial gathering will be held from 1–3 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria, concluding with military honors accorded by the Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. Inurnment will be at Evergreen cemetery at a later date. 

Ray Miller Beilke was born on June 18, 1931, the youngest of three children, to Ernest and Olga (Miller) Beilke near Lake Wilson, Minnesota. He was blessed to be raised in a Christian home with his siblings, Nina and Jim. The family lived in the area before moving to a farm near Carlos in March of 1940. Ray attended Carlos School District 39 through the eighth grade and continued his education at Central High School in Alexandria, where he graduated in 1948. Following graduation, he briefly attended the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant as a senior weapons specialist while stationed in Newfoundland. After his honorable discharge, Ray returned home to farm with his parents while attending the Veterans Ag Tech School. On November 25, 1961, he married Janet “Jan” Schafer, and together they purchased the Beilke family farm where they raised their two adopted sons, Joel and Neil. In addition to traditional farming, Ray embraced innovative practices and raised specialty crops, becoming widely known for his pumpkins, sweet corn, chickens, and asparagus. Through their home business, he greatly enjoyed meeting people and forming many lasting relationships. Early in life, Ray committed his life to the Lord and remained steadfast in his walk with Jesus Christ throughout his life. He served as a lay leader in the Methodist Church, and After his marriage to Jan, he joined First Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday school and served on the church council. For 27 years during the summer months, Ray and Jan facilitated Sunday lay-led worship services for locals and campers at Lake Carlos State Park. Later, they became members of the Covenant Church and were active throughout their life with Mount Carmel Ministries. In addition to his service within the church, Ray was actively involved in his community and agricultural leadership, serving on numerous local boards, including Douglas County Planning and Zoning for 11 years, the Soil and Water Conservation Board for 22 years, and as chair of the Viking Basin Irrigators. He also participated in groundwater studies and CARE (Carlos Area Responsible Ecology). Ray enjoyed trying new things on the farm, being involved in both his church and the agricultural community, and spending time with his family. He loved being in nature and hunting elk, moose, caribou, antelope, deer, and small game in Minnesota, as well as on trips to Montana, the Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jan in 2021; brother, James Beilke; and sister, Nina Bilyeu.

Ray is survived by his sons, Joel (Julie Johnson) Beilke of Duluth and Neil Beilke of Miltona; and grandson, Mac of Duluth.