Ray A. DeMars, age 57, of Brainerd, MN died on Thursday, August 4, 2016 as a result of an automobile accident in Crow Wing County.

    Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. A reception will follow at the Maple Lake American Legion. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake with a Remembrance Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral chapel. Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2016 at Dykeman Cemetery, Brainerd, with a reception to follow.

    Ray Allen DeMars was born August 24, 1958 in Buffalo, Minnesota to Gerald and Florence (Zachman) DeMars. He grew up in Montrose and graduated from Buffalo High School with the Class of 1977. Ray worked as an over the road truck driver.  He was currently employed with Fletcher Trucking in Brainerd.  Ray enjoyed farming, driving, horses, and working on trucks and tractors.  Ray’s favorite times were spent working and playing with his children and grandchildren.

    Ray is survived by his children, Gillian DeMars, Patrick DeMars, Felicia DeMars, Raymond DeMars and Chelsea Whittenton all of Brainerd and Kristin (Ben) Draeger of Ottertail; 5 grandchildren, Addison Rae and Justin Donald Draeger, Alaina Janet, Talia Elsie, and Jace Richard Whittenton; siblings, Francis (Lana) DeMars of Neskowin, OR, Vincent (Judy) DeMars of Buffalo, Phillip (Kim) DeMars of Orlando, FL, Catherine (David Cooley) DeMars of Shorewood, Jeanne (Conrad) Derus of Chaska, Larry (Kathy) DeMars of Maple Lake, Cyril (Sheri) DeMars of Greer, SC, Neal (Sue) DeMars of Winsted, Victoria (Bob) Kalinowski of Delano and Annette (Ken) Kaiser of Shorewood; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Holly (nee Sturdevent) DeMars; his parents, Gerald and Florence DeMars; and nephew, Michael DeMars.

    Derek DeMars, Anjanet Kalinowski, Ben Draeger, Aaron DeMars, Patrick DeMars, and Raymond DeMars will serve as pallbearers. Sarah Goelz and Krista Elsenpeter-Tarbox will provide music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

 Service Information