Ray H. Reifschneider

St. George, UT – Ray H. Reifschneider (Big Dog 5150) – 73, passed away surrounded by his loving wife and children on June 29, 2026. He was born on February 5, 1953, in Idaho Falls, ID to Henry C. Reifschneider and Marie Schwartzkoph. He married the love of his life, Tracy Lee VanOrden on July 12, 1997, in Pocatello ID.

 Raised in Idaho Falls, ID and graduating from Idaho Falls High School, he spent most of his life in Southeastern Idaho between Idaho Falls, Blackfoot and Pocatello. Later in life he and Tracy moved to St. George, UT for retirement and sun, but we all know the real reason was to escape the chore of having to shovel the snow.

He had a long and extensive career in law enforcement working in the I.F., Lava Hot Springs, Blackfoot, and Pocatello Police Departments where he ultimately retired. During his career in Law Enforcement Big Dog 5150 became known as someone they could count on. A role model to rookies. He loved the communities he served and was committed to the phrase “to protect and serve”. He was a brother in blue throughout his career and until the day he passed, always feeling the pain of every loss or attack against those who stepped up to take on a similar role to the one he held for so many years.

Being proud to be an American was an understatement, and his patriotism for our country would rival most, with one of his most beloved gifts being a flagpole to allow him to fly is own U.S. Flag in the front yard. He boasted about his many nieces, nephews and close friends who have or are currently serving in the various branches of the military. If you knew Ray you also knew he was a card-carrying avid supporter of the 2nd Amendment, but he’d be willing to discuss the entire Constitution with you at any given moment as he was well versed in what was sacrificed to provide the freedoms we all enjoy every day. 

Ray had an uncanny ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone, in almost any situation. Sometimes on the job, maybe while camping, potentially filling up gas, visiting one of his children, you name it and he’d come away with a new friend. He wouldn’t just know their names, he’d remember their conversations and make a point to check in on them, ask about their lives, and make sure they knew he was thinking about them. He was known for being like a father to so many with a voice of reason to fit. 

The outdoors was where he was most comfortable and all that comes with it including hunting, fishing and camping. He taught more than one grandchild how to fish at his favorite watering hole, Mackay Reservoir. Camping was not to be taken lightly and would be meticulously planned out. The camping trips were known to last a couple of weeks with his favorite activity being taking Tracy on four-wheel adventures into the backcountry around Spencer ID. 

He had many interests and hobbies and could be found tinkering in his shop or man cave building a curio for Tracy, or a new shelf for a kitchen. He’d be happy to challenge anyone to drive a nail into a board and would most likely win with his one swing driving of a nail. He would be cleaning or reloading guns, some just for collection but others used for competitions. His interest and skill along with his ability to connect so well with people also allowed him the opportunity to instruct for the police department. He enjoyed playing pool and darts and spent many years in leagues for both. He had a soft heart for animals and a close bond with the cats and dogs he owned over his life span, often tearing up when sharing stories. 

The love for his family ran deep. To his siblings he was the baby brother, the last one born in the family, but the one who called and checked in regularly. To his nieces and nephews, he was their hero, a man known for having a large presence and having fun, he was larger than life with the stories and laughter to go along with his personality. To his children and grandchildren, he was dad, Papo, Papa Ray. He was the maker of cheesy eggs, the giver of bear hugs, and the man who could make a killer cast iron meal and would never be vegan. To Tracy he was the mountain she could lean on, the man who loved to two-step her around a dance floor, and who would swoon over her rice crispy treats.

Ray’s unexpected passing has brought us closer together as family and friends, helping us realize how honored we are to have been included in this adventure he called life. He will be missed in ways we cannot fathom, but he will forever be remembered in the stories at family get-togethers, around a campfire, among friends at the bar or over a cigar. 

He is survived by his wife, Tracy Lee St. George; children, Candice Reifschneider, Steve (Kim) Reifschneider, Stephanie (Christopher) Wilkey, Tessa (Matt) Weiland, Ryan (Jessica) Kirwan; Grandchildren, Saleena, Jordan, EmmaRae, Trenton, Colton, Hallie, Garrett, Abigail, Mattisen, McKenzee, Cooper, Lillian, Elliot, Oliver and Zoey; Great-Grandchildren, Taezlynn, Baelyr, Aubryn-Jo, Valor; Sisters, Sylvia (LeRoy-late) Pancheri and Etta Jane Reifschneider; and many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Marie Reifschneider; Sister Barbra (Dick) Averett: Niece Sheri Baker Wilkins. 

In keeping with Ray's wishes, he was cremated under the care of Hughes Mortuary in St. George, Utah. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge, 123 N. Ash Street, Blackfoot, Idaho, on August 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Following the Celebration of Life, Ray will be interred at Thomas-Riverside Cemetery at 3:00 p.m., under the direction of Hawker Funeral Home of Blackfoot, Idaho.