Raymond G. Lathrop

Ray Lathrop,76, of Spencer, IA, passed away on Saturday afternoon, September 13, 2025 at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, IA with his wife at his side.

Raymond Gene Lathrop was born on July 2, 1949, in Fort Dodge, IA to Robert and Evelyn (Schultz) Lathrop. He attended schools in Burnside, Lehigh, and Harcourt, graduating from Central Webster High School in Burnside in 1967 and then attended Iowa Central College in Fort Dodge.

1969 was a banner year for Ray. He joined the US Navy and was united in marriage to his soulmate Nancy State. Ray’s greatest joys were being a husband and best friend to Nancy, Dad to Laurie and Papa to Claire. Ray and Nancy enjoyed traveling, especially to Mackinac Island, Duluth, and the North Shore.

Ray was stationed during his 6 years in the Navy at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, the USS Prairie (AD-15), the Navy Nuclear Power School in Vallejo, CA, the S1W Prototype reactor at Idaho Falls, ID, and the USS Sargo (SSN-583). He attained the rank of Electricians Mate 1ST class (SS) and made several WestPac deployments and several special operations cruises. He received his Honorable Discharge in December 1974.

In January 1975, he began his civilian career with Corn Belt Power Cooperative at the Humboldt Steam Plant as a plant worker, then the plant electrician. In 1996, Ray was transferred to the E.F. Wisdom Generation Station in Spencer, IA. He retired after nearly 40 years in 2014.

Ray belonged to the American Legion Post Adams 119 for 41 Years and served as Commander for 6 years. He belonged to the Humboldt Faith United Methodist Church.

Ray was a member of Power Coop Employees Credit Union board for over 25 years. He served as Chairman of the Board for 23 years.

Ray’s hobbies were furniture making, restoring old Stanley planes and putzing in his shop. Ray was an accomplished plastic kit modeler, gathering his share of trophies at the local, state, and national levels. Later in life he enjoyed flying R/C airplanes.

Ray is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter, Laurie Ashbrook (Bob) of St. Charles, IL, granddaughter Claire, and several nieces & nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, sister Roberta and brothers Ronald and (Roger)Jack and grandparents.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt at 11:00. Visitation will be held from 10:00 until the time of his service. Burial with military honors will be held at Union Cemetery in Humboldt.

The Mason-Lindhart Funeral home & Cremation Service of Humboldt is coordinating the arrangements. www.masonlindhart.com