Raymond A. Birgenheier, Professor Emeritus of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Gonzaga University, died on October 15, 2026. He was 90 years old.

Ray was born on February 13, 1936 in Billings, MT to humble beginnings. The oldest of five children, he lived the hard life of a farm laborer while also enjoying the charmed life of a Montana country boy. He loved the four seasons, hunting and fishing, and exploring the woods and the Yellowstone River with his dog.

After high school he joined the Navy, which sparked a passion for electronics and opened the doors to education. Later at university, he met and married Mary Frances Palmersheim. His early career took their growing family to Southern California where he earned his master’s and PhD in Electrical Engineering while working at Hughes Aircraft Company. Ray never liked the “rat race” of the city and after 17 years moved the family to Spokane as part of the Gonzaga University community.

Dr. Birgenheier taught at Gonzaga for 19 years (15 as department chair) before retiring. He also consulted for Hewlett Packard and Agilent Technologies. He holds several patents, and his corporate experience positioned him to bridge industry and classrooms. He assisted in gaining accreditation for all courses in the school of engineering.

Ray was a proud scholar, mentor, and educator with a long list of professional achievements. However, his greatest source of pride was his family. He and Mary raised seven daughters and were together for 58 years. Family meant everything to them, and their home was always open. Five of their daughters settled in Spokane, and most of the large family functions were held at their house. Ray welcomed the chaos. Mary took great care of her family, but when her health declined, Ray stepped in to lovingly care for her.

Ray was a serious man with a sharp mind and quick wit. He retained his dry sense of humor until his final days. He was a man of routine, and one of his favorites was his daily scotch and cigar.

A lifelong Catholic, Ray loved attending Sunday mass with his family. He was active in St. Augustine parish activities and Meals-on-Wheels. He was a kind man of faith who wanted to serve.

He is survived by five of his daughters and sons-in-law, Maggie (Larry) Jay, Cathy (Dale) Dietrich, John Hunton, Theresa (Stuart) Rigler, Janet (Gus) Porco, Joyce (Dave) Hedrick, Kevin Johnson, 14 grandchildren and (soon-to-be) 16 great-grandchildren. His sister, JoAnn McCracken of San Diego, CA also survives. He was preceded in death by his beloved Mary and two of his daughters, Barbara Hunton and Rebecca Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at St. Augustine Parish at 10:30 am on Friday, October 30th.