The Superior Express -

Ray Biltoft, the son of Homer and Helen (Bise) Biltoft, was born on May 30, 1945, in Deshler, Nebraska. He died Dec. 22, 2022, at Brod- stone Healthcare in Superior, at the age of 77 years, 6 months, 22 days.

Ray attended school at Star Country School, Deshler High School, Byron High School and graduated from Ruskin High School in 1963. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hardy since 1982. He was baptized in July of 1945 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ruskin and confirmed in 1959 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Ruskin. He served in the Nebraska and Kansas National Guard from 1966 to 1973.

Ray was a true jack of all trades and enjoyed his work at various places including Conoco, Superior-Deshler, Ace Gas Inc and farming. He decided to pursue his true love of cars by establishing Ray's Auto Sales in 1988 in which he was involved with up until his death.

In 1965, Ray married Judy Hiatt. To this union, they were blessed with three children: Barbara, Bradley and Bonney. They were later divorced.

On Dec. 4, 1982, he was united in marriage to Cheri McKinney in Hardy, Nebraska. He loved classic cars and pickups and enjoyed working on vehicles, which fit in his business of Ray's Auto Sales. After retiring, his son, Brad, is continuing on the family business.

Ray was a member of the Pleasure Cruisers Car Club and the Nebraska Independent Auto Dealers Association where he served as president. He also served in several positions on the church council at St. Paul Lutheran Church. He loved his family and enjoyed time with them. He never knew a stranger and always had a smile on his face and a laugh when he spoke. Ray was also a huge lover of cats and dogs and had many pets throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Helen; daughter, Barbara Ann Biltoft; brother, Dennis Biltoft and mother, and father-in-law, Vernon and Ardyce McKinney

Survivors include his wife, Cheri Biltoft of Hardy; son, Brad (Sharon) Biltoft of Superior; daughter, Bonney McClure of Superior; Stepson, Jerry Smock (Kim Carter) of Omaha; grandchildren, Shannon Johnson (Anthony Spice), Jayme (Matt) Buckley, Payton (Josh) Isherwood, Trenton McClure (Tairra Strine), Rayne Biltoft; great- grandchildren, Preston Johnson, Parker Johnson, Nyla McClure, and Cameron Isherwood; siblings, John 'Darrell' (Linda) Biltoft of Oak, and Donna Biltoft of Beatrice; brother-in-law, Jack McKinney (Ella) of Marquette; brother-in-law, Jim McKinney (Connie) of Blue Hill; aunt, Verna (Biltoft) Kirchhoff of Deshler; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

His funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 2, from the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hardy, with Irvin Schleufer and Tim Hiatt officiating.

Music will be Elvis selections for prelude and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," "Amazing Grace" and "Happy Trails' recording.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 1, with the family present.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren Shannon Johnson, Treaton McClure, Payne Biltoft, Jayme Smock and Payton Smock.

A private family burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at Superior.

Memorials are suggested to go to the family.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Neb. 68978 or in care of http://www.pricefuneral homes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior is in charge of the arrangements.