Raymond L. Merfeld, 80, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, IA, following a long battle with congestive heart failure.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Bosco Aruldoss officiating. Burial will follow in East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the Parish Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. A second visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Friday at St. Mary’s Church.

Ray was born on October 30, 1945, in Charles City, IA, the son of Leander and Gila (Garber) Merfeld of Marble Rock, IA. He attended Roseville’s St. Mary’s elementary school and then attended high school at Immaculate Conception Academy High School in Charles City. Later Ray attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA, where he received his BA in Sociology in 1971.

Ray served his country in the U. S. Army from 1967-1968. During his time in the military, he met and married the love of his life, Eva Espiriti. They were united in marriage on March 2, 1968, at Sacred Heart Church, Nogales, AZ. She preceded him in death on March 26, 2019.

After Ray was honorably discharged from the Army, the couple settled in Dubuque, IA, where they raised their three boys, Rick, Bobby and Dan.

After being honorably discharged and completing his college degree, Ray worked briefly for the Dubuque Packing Company from 1971 – 1973. Then Ray was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works as a production line supervisor until his retirement in 2000.

Ray was a talented self-taught woodworker and craftsman. He raised quarter horses and participated in team penning events. He also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and hunting. Ray was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan since childhood.

He was also the beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews: who appreciated his insight and reflection in his later years. In his last days, his sons, Rick and Bobby, were able to have meaningful conversations with him that they will carry with them forever. Ray loved his grandchildren dearly and talked about them often to others.

Surviving are his sons, Richard L. (JoAnn) Merfeld of Tucson, AZ, and Robert R. Merfeld (Jason) of Phoenix, AZ, his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Merfeld of Madison, WI, grandchildren, Taylor Merfeld (Gwen), Lauryn M. Merfeld, Jenna L. Merfeld and Berkley A. Welsh; great-grandchildren, Raymond M. Merfeld (10), Dawn M. Merfeld (8), Mary L. Merfeld (8), Lily E. Merfeld (7), and Eden E. Merfeld (2); his sister, Mary Jeanne of Fruita, Colorado, his brother, Roger (Edi) of Rockford, IA, his sister-in-law, Rita Merfeld of Greene, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Eva, his son, Daniel, his siblings, Rose, Richard and Ken, father-in-law Ricardo Espiriti, in-laws, Fran Stadler, Ted Leaver and sister-in-law, Myrna Merfeld.

Ray will be remembered for his quick smile and twinkle of mischief in his eyes. Ray was an honorable man who treated others the way he wanted to be treated—with an open heart and kindness.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church Building Fund.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©