Raymond “Lee” Fishbaugher, age 97, of Harmony, Minn., passed away on May 27, 2026, at Gundersen Nursing Home in Harmony, where he had resided for the past couple of years.
Lee was born to Frank and Susan (Chick) Fishbaugher on July 29, 1928, at the family farm near Preston, Minn. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1946. Lee married Myra “Colleen” Elton, his high school sweetheart, on February 16, 1947.
Lee lived a life defined by hard work and a sense of adventure. As a farmer, he was ahead of his time, becoming one of Fillmore County’s earliest adopters of conservation farming practices. He was also an active businessman, operating Lee Livestock in Harmony for many years.
Never one to stop learning, Lee’s adventurous spirit inspired him to earn his pilot’s license later in life, leading to many unforgettable flights with loved ones. Even in retirement, he stayed busy with carpentry, working alongside local craftsmen and proudly building the very house he and Colleen shared before moving to assisted living.
Lee also found great joy in fishing and dancing with Colleen, and above all, he cherished time spent socializing with family and friends. He had an unforgettable sense of humor, greeting everyone with a warm smile and delighting in playfully teasing the people he cared about most. His zest for life and unwavering positivity were truly remarkable.
He is survived by his two daughters, Linda Van Kekerix of Brimson, Minn., and Lyanne (Dennis) Hermel of Medford, Minn.; sister-in-law Beth Elton of Winona, Minn.; five grandchildren: Steven (Sue) Van Kekerix, Chad (Suzanne) Van Kekerix, Deann (Barry) Nelson, Dawn (Cinar Ketani) Hermel, and Debra (Jason Lahr) Hermel; five great-grandchildren: Jacob Van Kekerix, Jessica Van Kekerix (Kody Costley), Raegan Nelson, Lincoln Nelson, and Liam Ketani; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Myra “Colleen” Fishbaugher; his parents, Frank and Susan Fishbaugher; his parents-in-law, Clarence and Mildred Elton; his sister and brother-in-law, Florence and Art Ashton; his son-in-law, Stan Van Kekerix; and his brother-in-law, Conway Elton.
Lee’s family would like to thank the staff at Gundersen Harmony Care Center for the compassionate care they provided over the years.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony with Rev. Kurt Bockoven officiating. Burial will be in the Greenfield Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service.
Condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.
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