Raymond "Ray" Minette

raymond
Ray died peacefully on September 28, 2018, at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo at the age of 85. Ray Minette was born on January 3, 1933 in Devils Lake, N.D. to Joseph and Annie (Vanderlin) Minette. Ray attended a country school in the Webster, N.D. area and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Devils Lake in 1952. Ray entered the US Army in January 1953. He served in Korea and earned the rank of Corporal. After returning from service in the Korean War, he returned to Devils Lake where he purchased Ray’s Westland Service Station. On December 26, 1959, Ray married Lois Peterson in Devils Lake. Ray later sold the service station to attend college at Devils Lake Junior College and then Minot State University. Ray graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and German. Ray’s first teaching position was in Golva, ND where he taught for two years. Ray and Lois moved their family to Minnewauken in 1968. During this time, the family spent three summers in Laramie Wyoming where Ray attended graduate school at the University of Wyoming on a National Science Foundation Grant. In 1972, Ray and Lois moved their family to Rugby where Ray taught in the science department of Rugby High School until he retired in 1993. During this time, Ray shared his love for science with hundreds of students, many who went on to successful science-based careers. Ray started hosting science fairs in Rugby and ultimately took several students to the international competition. After being retired for a year, Ray came out of retirement to teach one more year in Rugby and two years in Wolford, ND. During summers, Ray drove a semi hauling gas and grain. Later, he sold and adjusted crop hail insurance. Ray enjoyed hunting with his boys, traveling, golf, skiing, reading and a good game of pinochle. He attended activities for his three sons and later his grandchildren. Ray enjoyed traveling in retirement. He and Lois took many trips to Fargo, Salt Lake and Spokane or wherever his family resided at the time. He enjoyed attending the Hostfest in Minot with friends and also enjoyed bus tours to Branson and Nashville making new friends and recruiting pinochle players wherever he went. Ray was a member of the Rugby Eagles, American Legion and VFW. He was an active member of Knights of Columbus serving as Grand Knight several times and Faithful Navigator for the Fourth Degree Knights. He also served Meals on Wheels for the Knights of Columbus. At Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby, Ray served as a reader and Extraordinary Minister of Communion, also serving the homebound. Ray is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lois Minette, Fargo, ND; Son Brian (Barb) Minette, and grandson Riley Minette, Salt Lake City, UT; Son Mark (Jill) Minette and granddaughters Elli and Morgan Minette, Fargo, ND; Craig (Naomi) Minette and grandchildren Rodney, Kara, Maximus Minette, Spokane, WA; Sister Joanne Neis, Grand Forks, ND; Sister Theresa Mencimer, Montrose, CO; Sister-in law Bertha (Peterson) Lorenz, Fond du Lac, WI and special friend Lloyd Lorenz, Devils Lake, ND, and cousins, nieces and nephews. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Annie Minette, brother Robert Minette and brothers-in-law, Dick Neis, Jim Mencimer and Larry Peterson. A celebration of Ray’s life will take place on Thursday, October 4 at 5 pm with the Rosary at 5:40 pm and a prayer service at 6:00 pm at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. Visitation will continue from 9:30 to 10:30 am followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am on Friday, October 5 at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo. Internment in Veteran’s National Cemetery outside of Fargo at a later date. Please join the family for a time of fellowship in the reception hall following the funeral.

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  1. Sorry about the loss of Ray. He was teaching in Minnewaukan while I was a school board member. Take care and God Bless. Gary and Ginny Sears

  2. He was an energetic and upbeat man with a positive attitude while I attended high school in Rugby. He sure made the trip fun when he drove us to the doc seversen concert in Bismarck by bus in 1973. He will be missed. God bless your family.

  3. Uncle Ray – He was a great guy. He was always happy. I remember the bear hugs he would give me whenever we said hello. When our Dad was dying, he was there helping Mom drive from town to town, and lending support where needed. He was a very outgoing loving guy. I never saw him angry, not once. It is hard to say good-bye, but I am happy for Uncle Ray who will be basking in the “ray” (pun intended) of God’s glory. Rest well dear Uncle. My deepest condolences to the immediate family and all of our extended family.

  4. Ray you will be missed. You always had a smile and a big hug for me whenever I saw you. I always loved to see you. You were such a kind loving soul and I will see you again in the future. God bless you and your family. Karen Larson. Rugby, ND.

  5. Ray was the quiet impetus behind many things in his community and church. His presence is and will be missed by many. Our condolences to Lois and the family of Ray and Lois.

  6. Brian – so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. May the great memories help you through this sorrowful period, Jacob “Jack” Banyai

  7. Ray was my ‘oldest’ cousin! I remember him well, growing up in Devils Lake. Heartfelt sympathy to Lois, my cousins Theresa and Joanne, and all Ray’s family.

  8. We wish to express our sincere sympathy to each of you on Ray’s death. May your precious memories help you through this difficult time. May God ease your sorrow and bless each of you.

  9. Lois and family.. So sorry to hear of Rays passing but it must be a blessing to him and to your family We always remember the teachers and families that have been part of our little town if it was a long time or for just a few years. May God bless all of you at this time


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