Ray Asche Obituary

Ray Louis Asche was born on January 30, 1939 to Louis and Olinda (Evers) Asche on a farm southeast of Hebron, NE. He was baptized on February 19, 1939 by Rev. Alwardt and confirmed in his Christian faith on March 29, 1953 by Rev. Meyer. Both milestones occurred at Grace Lutheran Church in Hebron, NE, where he remained a lifelong member. On June 9, 2025, Ray passed away at Blue Valley Nursing Home.
Ray attended country school through eighth grade. He graduated from Hebron High School in 1956. Following graduation, he began working for a local contractor, Bill Day, and upon his retirement in 1970, Ray began his own carpentry business. Throughout this time he completed many kitchen remodels and home additions. He eventually slowed his business down, but never officially retired as he was always finding another "odd-job" to take on. He took great pride in his work.
Ray met his wife, Eileen, at a friend's birthday party in high school. He married Eileen Krueger at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, rural Gilead, Nebraska on May 12, 1963 by Rev. Baalson. Shortly after meeting, Ray took it upon himself to teach Eileen how to drive, which resulted in a court visit for the both of them as he was cited for allowing her to drive without a learner's permit. Their first home was a little white rental house close to the high school, but they weren't there for long when in the Fall of 1964 they purchased their lifelong home in Hebron, where they lived together for 61 years. Together, they remodeled their house room by room to make it their home where they later grew their family. They were blessed with their son, David in August of 1968 and their daughter, Diane in April of 1971.
As a child he enjoyed roller skating, ice skating & hunting. He also participated in the school band, playing the cornet. He spent a lot of time with the Pitts, Templin and Gerberding families in his childhood, and continued to stay lifelong friends as well. Ray also enjoyed bowling and was on the Grace Lutheran Bowling team, when in 1989 their team brought home $1,000 and the Championship title. He spent countless hours around the table playing cards with his friends and family. He taught his grandkids how to play cribbage when they were very young.
Ray enjoyed sharing his experience of the tornado on May 9, 1953 in Hebron. During this time he found safety under the pool table at Rec's Recreation Pool Hall.
Ray served many years on the church council, ushering, and volunteering on the property committee. He volunteered many hours at the church and at Things & Stuff which resulted in him & Eileen to receive the Thayer County Health Services Foundation Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016.
Ray enjoyed fishing and playing catch with his kids as well as attending their many ball games and activities. Later in life, as his grandkids grew up, he continued to be a great supporter of their activities as well- there wasn't much that he missed. "Great grandpa," was one of his favorite titles to receive. He enjoyed talking to the boys and making them smile.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Paul and Alvina Krueger, sisters Shirley (Melvin) Bodtke and Marilyn (Everett) Shinn, nephew Terry Shinn, sister-in-law Ann Krueger and his grandson Hayden McCoy.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen and his children David (Susan) Asche of Hebron and Diane (Tim) McCoy of Hickman. His grandchildren Cameron (Sydney) Asche of Lincoln, Marissa (Kyle) Kugel of Hebron, Colton McCoy of Lincoln, and Jenna McCoy of Lincoln. His great-grandchildren Jack and Beau Asche and Brexton Kugel. Nephews, Dennis (Sally) Bodtke, Duane Bodtke, Gary (Cyndi) Shinn and Niece-in-law Becky Shinn. Sisters-in-law Carol Krueger and Sharon Krueger and brothers-in-law Dean (Linda) Krueger and Travis (Tish) Wiegert, as well as several cousins, friends and family.
Funeral Services will be Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hebron, NE with Pastor Keith Brozek officiating. Burial will be at Hebron City Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Price Funeral Home in Hebron.
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