George R. Gray, 87, a longtime resident and farmer of Claremont, Minnesota died Thursday, April 20, 2017 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. George Robert Gray was born December 2, 1929 in Dodge Center, Minnesota the son of Robert and Lucile (Piper) Gray. He graduated from Claremont High School in 1947. George met Joanne Adams in November 1948 and it was love at first sight for both of them. They were married on June 19, 1949 at First Presbyterian Church, Claremont and made their home in Claremont. George was self employed as a gravel truck driver, corn sheller, and milk route. In 1954, they moved to Ripley Township where they purchased a farm and raised beef cattle, cows, pigs, and chickens. They retired from farming and moved to Owatonna in 2002. George loved spending time with his family, especially at the family cabin on Cedar Lake in Faribault. He enjoyed fishing, watching birds, feeding ducks, nature, dogs, playing cards, listening to old time music, and reading farm magazines. George was a lifetime member, deacon, and elder at First Presbyterian Church in Claremont, Ripley Township officer for 35 years, and Golden Kiwanis member. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Gray of Owatonna; four children, Jim (and Maxine) Gray of Zumbrota, Jody Hoffmann (and Jim Murray) of Grand Rapids, Mark (and Leeann) Gray of Pierz, Jeff (and Linda) Gray of Claremont; 16 Grandchildren; 19 Great Grandchildren; 6 Great Great Grandchildren; sister, Judy (and Gene) Ashmore of Thousand Oaks, CA; brother, Don (and Ruby) Gray of Claremont; brother-in-law, Ron Bartels of Coon Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Peggy Bartels; granddaughter, Joanne Ruckinger. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and at First Presbyterian Church, Claremont on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, Claremont. Interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center. Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church, Claremont or donor's choice. Visitation: 04/26/2017 16:00 04/26/2017 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church 04/27/2017 11:00