Frank Jay Duray

March 23, 1953 ~ January 26, 2025
Frank Jay Duray, age 71, passed away on January 26, 2025. He was born in Grafton, North Dakota, to Frank and Verna (Anderson) Duray. Growing up in Grafton, Frank graduated from high school before pursuing an education as a mechanic at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). He also worked in real estate and insurance, before retiring from NDSU. He was known for his hard work and commitment.
In September 1974, Frank married the love of his life, Janet Langowski. Together, they built a life filled with love, raising two wonderful daughters, Angie and Mandy. Frank’s family was his pride and joy, and he cherished his role as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to his six grandchildren, creating countless memories that will be treasured forever, including feeding his grandchildren ice cream for breakfast.
Frank took great pride and care in his immaculate yard and vibrant vegetable garden, where tomatoes and peppers flourished. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from shopping trips to Costco, Fleet Farm, and Duluth Trading Company, to hours spent tinkering in the garage.
However, nothing compared to his adventures on his beloved Harley, which he rode alongside Janet on countless excursions through the scenic small towns around Fargo. They stopped at local watering holes together where they shared laughs and built unforgettable friendships.
Frank is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janet; daughters, Angie (Mike) Plambeck, Mandy Watrous (Cory Davis); grandchildren, Aly, Makenzie, Kenny, Hunter, Carson, Piper; and sister, Joan Duray.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents.
Services
Visitation - Friday: January 31, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service - Friday: January 31, 2025 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Saw Frank at the gun shows, he always had particular items that always caught my interest… always made it a point to check out his tables…. he will be missed… my sincere condolences…
Met him at gun shows. It seemed like we always had our booth next to him or close to him. Wonderful man to sit and visit with, so easy to get along with. My son, Cole, and him would always be talking together. We are really going to miss him.
Jay was a great guy. Lots of fun memories from younger days. He left far too soon
and will be missed. My condolences Janet.
We would go for motorcycle rides in the southern valley and frequently came across Frank and Janet on motorcycle along side the road. It would be in the most remote places, like north of Havana, ND, or outside Barney, ND. We would slow down in case they needed help only to be waved on. This happened many times over a period of years. With time we would run into them in small towns and eventually got to know them. Then when we saw them along side the road we pull in and visit. Janet searching for heart shaped stones eating sunflower seeds. Talk about the latest “new gun” with Frank. Those were good years. The last time we came across Frank and Janet was in Delamere, ND last fall at the School House. They were not riding anymore, but in a vehicle. I will miss Frank.
I am so sorry to hear about Frank. I worked with him for a few years at NDSU. He always made me laugh. He was a great guy.
We miss seeing Frank & Janet riding motorcycle through Colfax and always with a friendly wave!
Our Sincere Condolences,
Tom and Inis Frankl
May you find peace in your loss.
Maureen Hardaway
We met Frank and Janet many years ago (about 20+) in the Pavillion at what was Playmaker’s. There were many people that came….all motorcycle riders who rode any type of motorcycle. We all met on Wednesday’s & our group became known as “Biker’s United”. We had a wonderful time, met many wonderful people in our weekly gatherings. We have grandsons and we always talked about our grandkids & family. My birthday is 9 days before Frank’s & he always made it a point to text to wish me Happy Birthday & to remind me that I was “older”! Many, Many fun times with Frank & Janet. A super nice guy that left us way too soon!! You will be missed my friend! May you rest in peace. Our sincere love and condolences, Janet and Family!! Pam and Wayne Rud
We love you both.
So many good times and motorcycle adventures . Literally hundreds of fund raiser rides and great times with Bikers United and friends. Wonderful fun!
New Year’s Day get togethers at the Knickerbocher with your great cooking or at your home.
We will miss Frank Jay and I will miss the emails /texts with him.
All our best Janet to you and your family, Frank really loved you, his daughters and grandkids,
Brian and Roberta Stoelting
I am so sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. I worked with him for several years at NDSU. I so enjoyed hearing about his travels and about his grandchildren. His brownies were always a treat. Blessings and condolences to his family.
Janet and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. It was truly a pleasure being your next-door neighbors, and we will always cherish the memories of watching you both ride out on your Harleys (Cormick loved to hear that rumble!), working alongside Frank to clear the sidewalks and driveways, and sharing conversations in the backyard (I’m still sorry about the dandelions!).
Frank was such a kind, helpful, and genuine person, and he will be deeply missed. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Heather, Jason and Cormick
I liked visiting with Frank when I would see him at the gun shows. We shared many of the same interests. I will miss seeing him.
OMG ~ I couldn’t be in more shock!
My dear friend. My heart is broken for YOU. So many fun times & when you guys stopped over coming in on your bikes. I just wish I would follow Corey on Boulger’s just incase I might know some family. I wish I was there with you. We had so much fun @ The Schoolhouse that Saturday and in LIDGERWOOD when you guys would come for car show or just eats & drinks. We seriously need to get together very very soon. Big hugs my dearest friend.
Love ya. I’m have no doubt Kyle & Frank have already met and always watching over us.
Janet and family, so sorry for your loss.
Mark and Nancy Nybo
Greetings from Grafton and sending you our condolences. It seems like a lifetime since you were our neighbors. Janet, reading the obituary you have so many rich memories. If only things were different. With heartfelt sympathy, Claudia and Lloyd Thompson
Remember Frank and Janet from the days they lived in Grafton. My sympathy to Janet, Angie. Mandy and Joan.
So sorry for your loss we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. I greatly enjoyed working with Frank at NDSU Ag Communications. I appreciated how he always had a joke or tried to make me laugh each day. Even after he retired, he would text me on occasion to touch base and make me laugh. I really wanted to attend his memorial service to meet all of you and personally give you, my condolences. He loved his family! I am grateful to have worked with him and to call him a friend.
May God be with all of you during this difficult time.
Joan, Janet, and family –
Sending hugs, love, and Good Vibes Only as Jay begins his next journey. We are so sorry your time together was cut shorter than planned but also so happy to recall so many happy memories you all had together thru the years. Greg has hunting stories and recalls times when they were very young.
God bless you all. May you find some peace knowing so many people are here for you if you need us. Stay strong and carry on the way Jay would wish you to do. You will see him again one day – what a Glorious celebration it will be!
Hugs from all of us.
Kathi Greg Rachel & Kristi