Raymond Harry Mansholt, 95, of Litchfield, died at 9:10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, at Litchfield Health and Rehab.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 16, at 12 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. The Rev. Fred Kraemer will officiate. Burial will be in Elm Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Mansholt was born on March 28, 1929 in Bunker Hill, a son of John and Julia (Marth) Mansholt. He attended Bunker Hill Schools. Mr. Mansholt served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany from 1951 to 1953. He resided in Gillespie from 1969 until moving to Litchfield in 1976. Mr. Mansholt married the former Florence Lorene Johnson on Feb. 15, 1969, in Litchfield, and she preceded him in death on July 26, 2001.
Mr. Mansholt was a mechanic by trade and farmed. After coming back from Germany, he was employed by Gillespie Implement Case Dealership as a co-owner in Gillespie, Schien Body and Equipment Co., Plaza Truck Service, both in Carlinville and Bruckert Chevrolet in Bunker Hill. After his retirement in 1994, he worked for Nail Power and Equipment building lawn tractors. He and his wife were custodians at Zion Lutheran School for several years.
Mr. Mansholt was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Litchfield, Zion Men’s Club, American Legion and the Midwest Tractor Club. He enjoyed working on and showing his antique tractors at area homecoming parades and shows, spending time with his grandsons Jake and Caleb, and planting a nice garden.
Mr. Mansholt is survived by his daughter, Rhonda (Steve) Jurgena of Litchfield; grandsons, Jake (companion Meghan Chambers) and Caleb (companion Mary Reiman) both of Litchfield; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Louis; sisters, Arlene Kopatz and Verna Bruene; nephew, Alvin Mansholt; and nieces, Julie Robison and Debra Gillespie.
The family suggests memorials to Zion Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran School for the tuition assistance fund.
The family is being served by the Plummer Funeral Home. To light a virtual candle, sign the online guestbook or directions, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
