Delbert Ray DeLong, 89, the man, the myth, the legend, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2022, in Bloomington, Minnesota. The man is gone but the myth and the legend live on. Ray is survived by his loving wife Ione of 59 years, their children Daaron (Michelle) DeLong and Bil (Jessica) DeLong; grandchildren Christopher (Heather) DeLong and Chelsea (Mitch) Patterson; great-grandchildren Maverick Patterson and Nolan DeLong; sibling Dale DeLong.

Ray was a light-hearted, funny, generous, caring soul, and could always be counted on to lift people’s spirits by making them laugh. One of the strongest people you could ever meet, he survived many hardships and never lost his joyful spirit. His ability to accept people without judgment brought so much light into the world. He was fearless with creativity, immensely talented as a musician and woodworker, and a friend to the animals. He was a dedicated & loyal husband, father, and friend known for having the heart to help others.

Ray was a veteran and served in the Army. His creative genius was sought after by employers looking for his level of talent and he had varied occupations over the years. He decorated ski lodges in Colorado, did commercial artwork for magazines and statuary companies, repaired and refinished furniture for companies such as Carroll’s Fine Furniture, Gabberts, and Levitz, painted murals and animated displays for The Jolly Troll restaurant. He was a member of the Senior Commodores, Minnesota Wood Carvers Association, National Wood Carvers Association, and The Viking Wood Carvers.

We are sincerely grateful for the kindness & exceptional care he received by Grace Hospice and Friendship Village in Bloomington.

He will be missed by his family and friends whose lives were changed because of his kind, encouraging, welcoming, and joyful spirit.

Funeral service, 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 25, 2022 with a visitation one hour before at Lakewood Memorial Chapel; 3600 Hennepin Ave. in Minneapolis.  Ray will be laid to rest at Lakewood Cemetery following the service.

Memorials may be made to Grace Hospice or the Friendship Village Employee Appreciation Fund.