After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Ray Grassman of Lebanon, OH was surrounded by family when he passed away at the age of 84 on October 25, 2023. Ray was born in Oldenburg, IN on July 3, 1939, to the late Fred and Eleanora Grassman.
He attended high school at St. Francis Seminary for 2 years before transferring and graduating from Batesville HS in 1957. He received a Diploma in Accounting from Miller-Draughon College. Following a stint in the US Army, Ray continued his career at Hillenbrand Industries working for more than 25 years as an accountant and eventually as Controller for Batesville Casket’s Manufacturing Operations while moving between Batesville and Nashua NH. In 1984, Ray earned his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. Following his successful career at Hillenbrand Industries, Ray moved on to Reynolds and Reynolds, working in Celina, OH and Dayton, OH, advancing to Vice President of Manufacturing before retiring in 2005 when he and Paula moved to Vonore, TN to enjoy several thousand rounds of golf.
Ray enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching sports. He regularly coached Little League baseball, even during his busy career. Ray was a lifelong fan of Batesville HS sports, the Reds, Bengals, Notre Dame football and Indiana University basketball. He could always be counted on for an expert analysis of the games and teams.
Ray is survived by his wife Paula, who he fell in love with and married in Oldenburg, IN on November 15, 1969, instantly becoming both husband to Paula and father to 4 children. He is also survived by his son Doug Grassman and wife Elke, son Dave Freese and wife Beth, son Rick Freese and wife Joan, son Bob Freese, daughter Sharon Klepper and husband Greg. He loved his 8 grandchildren Sara, Samantha, Laura, Ava, Andrew, Katie, Kara, and Markus, along with 7 great grandchildren. Ray is also survived by brother Bert Grassman of Batesville, brother George (Yatz) Grassman of Oldenburg and sister Marian Beetz of Oldenburg.
Calling will be Thursday, November 2nd, from 4 – 7 p.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 3rd at Holy Family Catholic Church in Oldenburg, with Rev. Carl Langenderfer OFM officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Ray can be made to Holy Family Catholic Church. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.