George Keith Geray

George Keith Geray, 92, of Verndale, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at The Meadows of Wadena.

Funeral services for George will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Frederick’s Catholic Church in Verndale, Minnesota. Visitation will take place on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., with an additional hour of visitation taking place prior to Mass. Burial will take place following the service at St. Frederick’s Catholic Cemetery in Verndale.

George Keith Geray was born on June 2, 1933, in Beaulieu, Minnesota, the son of Alphons and Ann (Kirsch) Geray. Throughout his life, George lived in Beaulieu, MN; Moorhead, MN; North Dakota; Kake, AK; and Verndale, MN.

On June 28, 1958, George was united in marriage to Margaret “Peggy” Ann Ryan at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Aldrich, Minnesota. Peggy passed away on April 29, 1992, and precedes him in death along with his parents, Alphons and Ann Geray; step mother, Marie Geray; and his siblings, John “Jack” Anthony Geray, James Michael Geray, and Sr Ann Marie Geray.

George was an active member of his community. He was a part of the Mid-Minnesota Beef Growers Association, served on the Board of Directors for the Wadena County Farm Bureau, and was a member of the Lions Club. He also dedicated his time as a lector for St. Frederick’s Catholic Church in Verndale and was involved in Wadena County 4-H Shooting Sports.

George held a special place in his heart for his years spent in Alaska. During that time, he found great purpose teaching and working aboard fishing boats. Later in life, George returned to his agricultural roots and found daily satisfaction in caring for his cattle, particularly the Brown Swiss, Simmental, and Black Angus breeds he was most passionate about. His mornings often began with bookkeeping at the G&L Station in Verndale and his evenings were spent in the pasture tending to the herd he took great pride in. Each fall, George could be found helping neighboring farmers in the fields, whether baling hay or working the potato harvest. Fall work was where George was happiest. George also loved riding horses, finding peace and freedom in the saddle whenever he had the chance. In quieter moments, he loved to read, especially westerns by Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey. Well into his mid-80s, George continued tending to his cattle with dedication. Above all else, George was a devoted and loving father who always encouraged his children to follow their interests and supported them in every path they chose.

George is survived by his children, Gregory (Amanda) Geray of St. Francis, MN, and Jennifer (Scott) Veronen of Verndale, MN; his sister, Rosalyn Bauer of Carlton, MN; his brother, Walter (Carol) Geray of Mahnomen, MN; and three grandchildren, Emily (Robert) Ismil, Grace Geray, and Jacky (Philip) Meyer of Switzerland.

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