Raymond "Ray" Giesinger

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Raymond “Ray” Giesinger, 75, Moorhead, MN formerly Detroit Lakes, MN passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family, and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Raymond Joseph Giesinger was born on February 19, 1948 in Rugby, North Dakota to John and Rose (Schiff) Giesinger.

Ray graduated from Rugby High School in 1966, and went on to play basketball while attending Minot State University and North Dakota State University from 1967 – 1969. He started his career at the City of Fargo Engineering Department, where he worked for 46 years. He was well known and respected by many in the construction community, and he was honored to work on the Flood Emergency Crew for many flood fights in the Red River Valley.

Ray married Patricia Jenson in 1973 and they had 3 children: Jennifer, and twins, John and Marissa. He married his soulmate, Gail Buckmier, in 1996. Initially they made their home in Fargo, which included many renovation projects. In 2000, they built their dream home on Rock Lake, near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Ray continued to work in Fargo until he retired in 2016.

With any bit of free time that was found, Ray spent his time with family and friends. Always with a smile on his face, always ready to learn something new. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing and teaching cribbage, snowmobiling, dancing, gardening, mowing, anything he could find to do outdoors. Ray enjoyed having a house full of family and friends to partake in these activities, and became known for ensuring everyone had a BIG breakfast. When they weren’t busy entertaining at the lake, Ray and Gail enjoyed traveling with both family and friends, particularly special friends Jeff and Brenda. Aside from traveling, Ray enjoyed spending time in Minnewaukan to deer hunt and “farm” with Donnie.

Ray was a sports enthusiast, his favorites included basketball, golf, and football. Most notably he enjoyed Bison football, and the Green Bay Packers.

Ray is survived by his wife Gail of Moorhead, Children: Jen (Shane) Richards, Moorhead, MN; John (Madi) Giesinger, Fargo, ND; Marissa (Josh) West, Moorhead MN; Shareen (Justin) Roberts, Oberon, ND; Donnie (Stephanie) Buckmier, Minnewaukan, ND; Amanda (David Kinnard) Moffett, Sarasota, FL. brothers, Robert (Judy) Giesinger, Wenatchee, WA; Richard Giesinger, Detroit Lakes, MN; Roger (Nancy Shumadine) Giesinger, Norfolk, VA; and sister, Jean (Jim) Fuka, Hankinson, ND. Brother- in- laws, Loren (Lori) Haugen, Red Lodge, MT, and Dennis (Dana) Haugen, Denver, CO.

He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents John & Rose Giesinger, in-laws, Norman & Caroline Haugen, sister Jeanette Giesinger, and sister-in-law, Marvel Giesinger.

Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 9th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m.

Interment will be at St. Olaf Cemetery in Minnewaukan, ND at a later date.

The family of Ray gratefully acknowledges your attendance to honor Ray’s life and thanks you for your support during their time of loss. They invite you to join them for refreshments and fellowship following the Memorial, at Boulger Funeral Home.

The family wants to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for the care they received. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

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