Raphael "Ray" William Riedman
May 1, 1930 ~ November 12, 2025
Born in:
Valley City , North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Raphael William Riedman passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 12 2025. Ray was 95 years old born May 1st. 1930 to Millie & William Riedman in Valley City ND. Ray had 8 siblings where they farmed near Litchville ND. The farm had a 48volt electrical system. The kids would often have to be driven to school on horse-drawn wagon in minus degree North Dakota winters. Dad loved to chase upland birds on the prairie and fish for walleye on Otter Tail Lake with family and friends. He holds the cabin record for a 7.5lb walleye which to everyone’s amazement he released back into the lake. His career with the AirGuard as a Master Sergeant spanned 35years with Happy Hooligans. He kept 14 F-4 Fighter Jets in top shape. Dad was a Walleye fishing master, an upland bird shooting great shot, backyard garage car painter and all around working man into his 90’s.
He is preceded in Death by Annabelle Hardwick, Joe Riedman, Jim Riedman, Robert Riedman, Patricia Samples, Patricia Riedman, Daughter in law Doris Riedman. His wife Lois Riedman and
Surviving children Holly McKoy, Steve Riedman, Sue Riedman, William (Bill) Riedman.
Grandchildren Seth Auser and Elizabeth Riedman.
Great grandson Anderson Alphin.
Ray will be greatly missed by family and friends. We love you Dad until we meet again in Heaven rest in peace.
Ray and Lois will be interred together at Fargo National Cemetery at a later date.
So very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I imagine my own dad warmly greeting both your parents in heaven. All such down-to-earth and loving people.
Ray was one of the most honest and endearing fellows to ever work at the ND Air National Guard. My memory takes me back to the Engine Shop breakroom table at 6:30am where supervision and the early arrivals would gather to drink coffee and discuss work needs for the day that started at 7am. The shop chief, Duane Hinsperger, might be giving some convenient target a verbal hard time as Doug Sacrison would offer his opinion to the conversation. In a room with tools hanging on the walls and the air heavy with the smell of coffee, Ray likely would give some play-by-play of something done at home, sometimes with some hilarious outcomes. It seemed he always stayed busy, not only on the job but at home as well. Last night he may have done some body work on a vehicle, an oil change on a lawn mower or maybe fixed a lamp cord. His reviews were part of the daily banter, which made the whole place feel rather homey to a newly-hired technician. He was patient with everyone, often to the point of super-tolerant; I know he was patient with me when I messed up. While he didn’t advertise it heavily, Ray’s demeanor, honesty and patience made one understand his Christian faith is what guided him at work and beyond…and the faith of this humble follower doubtless sees him enjoying his Heavenly reward now. Godspeed, Ray, enjoy your reward.
To the Riedman Family; Joyce and I want to send our sympathy for your dad and mom passing. I am sadly the last of Ray’s Classmates at ST. Kates and Joyce’s dad farmed neirghbors to Ray’s folks.RIP Francis and Joyce (Olson) Dahl
Barb
Clay Whittlesey
We are certainly sorry to hear of your dad‘s passing however, it is bittersweet because we knew he could not live without his Lois. His suffering and pain is over and he is now in heaven with our Lord and Savior and Lois and all his friends and family who have gone before him. Your dad was an amazing man and the more I got to know him over the years the more I appreciated his wisdom, his kindness and his love for your mom. Their bond was priceless. He was a man that we should all look up to and try to be like for if we all did the world would be a much better place. He was a true gentleman and I will miss both of your parents dearly. They were a big part of both of our lives. I know that they are sitting by a beautiful lake holding hands in heaven.
Missing both of them so much.
Wishing comfort and peace to Ray’s family.
Love,
Marian Hilborn