Raymond Frank Tandeski, of New Brighton, MN, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the age of 93.

Raymond (Ray) was born on April 19, 1932 to John and Florence Tandeski in Grafton, ND.  After graduating high school in Davenport, Iowa, Ray enlisted in the Air Force in December of 1951.  

Ray and Mary Helen Haines were married in Davenport, IA on December 27, 1952 and moved to Cheyenne, WY where Ray served at F.E. Warren Air Force Base and daughter Pamela was born.  Ray was later deployed to a U.S. Air Force Base in Nagoya, Japan (1954-55) during the Korean War.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, the family lived in Omaha, NE where daughter Tamra and son Terry were born. In 1960, the family moved to New Brighton, MN where son Gary was born.   

Ray started his career with Honeywell and was a sales representative for several electronic equipment manufacturers.  He later founded and was CEO of his own company, CMI Corporation. 

Ray helped develop and implement the VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) program with the City of New Brighton Police Department and became a certified trainer in the Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERTS) program. He served as a liaison between youth and New Brighton Police to reduce crime and enable New Brighton’s Freedom Skateboard Park to remain open.  Ray and fellow VIPS members worked to reduce graffiti, patrol parks and trails and serve the community.

In 2009, Ray was awarded the Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award for Crime Prevention Efforts by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association (MNCPA) for his VIPS/CERTS volunteer efforts.  

Ray also volunteered at American Red Cross Blood drives, National Night Out, Light Up the Night, and was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

Ray enjoyed camping with his family in their Shasta trailer, boating on the St. Croix River, playing volleyball, riding his Honda Aspencade and working on his “fun” cars (Camaro & Mustangs).   He was a skilled mechanic and mentor, always willing to help with a brake job or repair.      

Ray and Mary treasured time with their family.  They loved attending holidays, birthdays, dinners, school events and sporting activities with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

They shared a love of travel.  Europe, the Cayman Islands, and Hawaii were highlight trips. After retiring, they drove to Alaska with his brother Earl and wife Rita in pickups/campers.  Trips to Iowa and Oregon to see family and friends were always special. 

In 2019, Ray joined fellow Korea and Vietnam era veterans at 5:00AM at Minneapolis Airport for an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.  The veterans toured military monuments, memorials, and the U.S. Capital.  Eighteen hours later, Ray was very surprised and deeply moved to be welcomed home at 11:00PM by an airport filled with family, friends, veteran organizations and the U of M band.

Preceding Ray in death were his parents and his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary Helen.      

Ray is survived by daughters Pamela Peterson (Tom), and Tamra Tandeski-Edgar (Karl), sons Terry and Gary, brothers Earl (Rita) and Dwayne (Cathy); grandchildren Jolene Peterson Taylor (Patrick), Brandon Peterson (Mindy), Kyle Peterson, Tyler Tanzick (Gabe), Nick Tandeski (Taylor); great grandchildren Mackenzie Peterson, Sydney & Elliana Taylor, Kennedy & Brooklyn Peterson, Harper Tandeski and nieces, nephews and cousins.

A committal service for both Mary and Ray (with full military honors for Ray) will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on September, 25 at 9:30AM. Ray and Mary will be laid to rest together following the service.      

The family requests that memorials be directed to Magnus Veterans Foundation or, by mail, 

Magnus Veterans Foundation

16861 North Diamond Lake Road

Dayton, MN 55327