Ramon Burnett

Ray Burnett, 77, of Brainerd, died February 15, 2015, with his family by his side. He was born to the late Irene (Jacquiss) and Charles Burnett, June 1, 1937, in Ellendale, MN. He graduated from Bertha High School in 1955, served in the United States Marine Corp, and graduated from St. Cloud State University. Ray married Joan Petrich, of Randall, in 1962 and moved to Brainerd in 1968 where they raised a family and have been very active members of the community.

Ray was President/CEO of Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union from 1980 until retiring in 2003. He led MMFCU through tremendous growth and held many leadership positions in state and national credit union associations. He was founder and first Board President of the National Association of Community Credit Unions (NACCU) and was recognized with many awards for outstanding service and social responsibility. Ray was passionate about serving people and investing time in his community. He was an outspoken advocate and mentor to others as a leader in organizations he cared deeply about including Trinity Lutheran Church, Kinship Partners, AA, Crisis Line, Brainerd Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Brainerd Charter Commission, Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and founding member of the Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation.

Ray loved life and all of its experiences. He and Joan traveled around the world and had many adventures visiting six continents, often with family and friends. He looked forward to traveling to warm places in the winter, especially Marco Island, FL where he was surrounded by close friends. Ray enjoyed the outdoors - when the weather was good, being on the water in his boat and making sure everyone was having fun. He loved to read and learn and teach himself new things. He was an early adopter of the latest technologies, an avid photographer, and gourmet cook. Cooking for family gatherings brought him much joy over the years.

Family and friendships came first for Ray and he cherished his relationships with his many friends and colleagues. He is survived by his wife, Joan Burnett, and three children, Charles Burnett (Vicki Luxton), Caralyn Burnett (Colin Mather), Cristin Burnett (Jonathan Brauer); and six grandchildren: Emma and Jen-Li Burnett; Owen, Dylan and Alaina Mather; and Norton Brauer.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1420 S. Sixth St, Brainerd, at 9:30am until the time of memorial service, held at 11:00am. Lunch reception following the service. Interment at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN. Memorials may be designated to Kinship Partners, Trinity Lutheran Church, or Crisis Line.