Raymond “Ray” Dale Nitcher, 92

Raymond “Ray” Dale Nitcher, age 92, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of Lee and Ethel (Ginther) Nitcher, on January 20, 1933, in Bremer County Iowa.  He attended country school in Bremer Township.  Ray served in the United States Army for 18 months from 1953 to 1955.  During this time, he was stationed in Germany.

On May 29, 1955, Ray was united in marriage with Lucille F. Berends at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  After their marriage, the couple lived in Parkersburg and Ray worked at Heine Implement.  He worked as a skilled mechanic and from 1968 to 1977, Ray owned his own business, Ray’s Parts and Service.  Ray drove over the road trucks and later found great joy in driving school bus for Waverly-Shell Rock and Aplington-Parkersburg Schools.  Ray retired in 2017.

Ray was a member of the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg.  Throughout the years, Ray wore many hats and was a man of many talents, and even more love.  He was a chef and a baker which brought everyone to the table; a babysitter, who cherished every moment with his grandchildren; a professional lawn mower who could make any yard look it’s best; a fisherman with endless stories to tell; and a gardener who took pride in watching things grow under his care.  

But above all the roles he filled, his favorite title was simply “Grandpa”.  His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he never missed a chance to teach, tease, cheer and love them in ways only he could do.  He will be missed by his family and friends, but his legacy of love, laughter and hard work will live on in all who knew him.

Ray passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025, at his home.  Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Lucille, on January 2, 2021; his son, Buck Nitcher and his wife, Stacy; his parents, Lee and Ethel Nitcher; two brothers, Orville and Robert Nitcher; and three sisters, Pearl Stile, Dorothy Marsh and Laura Nitcher.

Ray is survived by two children, Steve (Becky) Nitcher of Denver, Iowa and Cheryl (John) Flessner of Wellsburg, Iowa; six grandchildren, Maggie (Justin) Mehmen, Jesse (Mandi) Nitcher, Mackenzie Hippen, Katie (Cody) LeBahn, Michael (Ashley) Siems and Joseph Nitcher; eight great-grandchildren, Kael, Lindsey, Ellie, Carter, Ruby, Stella, Lyza and Emryn; a sister, Carolyn Henniger of Waverly, Iowa; a brother-in-law, Ronald Ragan of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a sister-in-law, Eileen Berends of Shell Rock, Iowa.

Graveside Services were held at 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, Iowa with Pastor B.J. Humphrey officiating. Special music played at the graveside was Amazing Grace. Grundy County Fire Associating Honor Guard preformed the Last Call Ceremony and Parkersburg American Legion Post #285 conducted Military rites.  

Visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services- Parkersburg Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com