Zachary Kvalvog

zachary kvalvog
Zachary and Connor went to be with their Lord and Savior on June 23, 2015 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. They are sheltered in the loving arms of Jesus. Zachary Raymond was born on February 17, 1997 and Connor Phillip was born on February 22, 2001 in Fargo. They were raised in Moorhead and began their schooling at Park Christian School at an early age at Bethel Church in Fargo. Zach was just starting his senior year and Connor was starting 8th grade at Park Christian in Moorhead. They both loved their family, friends and school - academics and athletics, and serving Jesus Christ. They were blessings to everyone, especially their parents, and perfect, perfect, perfect children. Ray and Kathie lived a full life because of them. Our hearts are shattered, yet we know they are with our loving Father, yet we still grieve. They are survived by their loving parents – Ray and Kathie Kvalvog of Moorhead, MN; grandparents – Phil and Lola Kvalvog of Middle River, MN; Bud and Mona Anderson of Elbow Lake, MN; and Roger and Sandy Wentland of Howard, SD. Also surviving are very special aunts and uncles – Larry and Elizabeth Kvalvog and Rod and Tammy Kvalvog all of Fargo, ND; Butch and Michele Wentland of Elbow Lake, MN; Steve and Jodi Wentland of Rochester, MN; Andy and Lori Anderson of Las Vegas, NV; Tom Anderson of Mayville, ND; Jeff and Sherlyn Anderson of St. Michael, MN; Susan and Dennis Bakken of Maple Grove, MN; Jeannie and Shawn Noak of St. Cloud, MN; Sara Meyer of Balti, SD; and Amy and Grant Steven of Carthage, SD; and several cousins. They were preceded in death by their great grandparents. FUNERAL SERVICE: 10 AM Monday, June 29, 2015 at Bethel Church in Fargo VISITATION: one hour prior to the service in the church on Monday BURIAL: Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery on Franklin Lake CLERGY: Pastor Dale Wolf from Lighthouse Church

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  1. We are so very sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for you. We wish we could be there to hold and comfort you. Know we are thinking of you and praying God will give you the strength to get through this.

    We love you!
    XO
    Susanne, Raquel, Arthur and Olivia Arens

  2. Dear Ray and Kathie, We are without words to understand your sorrow and loss of your two wonderful precious sons but want you to know we love you both very much are in our thoughts and prayers. Ron and Nancy Hartvikson

  3. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Kvalvog families. Our hearts ache over your losses. Prayers and Gods blessings as you face the coming days, weeks and years. It is never easy to lose children.

  4. Zach will be missed beyond words. Words are hard to find at a time like this. Heartache comes to my mind. Remember not the last day but the joy of all the previous years. Ray, you were always very proud of your boys and you spoke of them often. So sorry this happened. May both of you find a way to get through this. May God Bless each and every one of you. RIP Zach.

    Margie Eisenzimmer

  5. Forgive me as the words I write will surely fall short…. A couple thoughts to share

    I reflect to a moment. Sitting yet just this month in front of the woman that birthed this great son. Saying “I acknowledge him in Love” “I have a great deal of respect for him”. In transparency, the tone of edification grew stronger as the conversation carried. I recall her kind gesture response of humbleness but my echo resounded with a certainty – a clarity of what a solid man her son is. A blessing to my life, value to who I am.

    When I close my eyes I clearly see the grass below our feet, the sounds of many voices around, the practice that is in play. Zach and I standing as men as the ball was in flight…. I said “tell me of your father” As his attention shifted to my question “he is the greatest man I know” “coach shouldn’t I get in play” I responded “NO, I want to know what you plan on doing in your life” He said “I want to be like my dad, he does so many things and likes to help folks, he is a great guy”. As I walked away and placed the whistle in my mouth I stopped and pondered….. There is no greater gift a son could provide his father.

    As I share just a blink of interaction the tears I shed are not in vein. The hurt I feel is not wasted. My sorrow does not sway the resolve in his being. On the contrary I will allow my faith to convey a portrait of success for this young man. A steadfastness of character and willingness to exemplify others. Confidence as a gift to relationship.

    Here is my answer to the question you asked so many times – “God sees you and smiles”

    You have branded my heart Zach. Your imprint will carry until I relieve my last breath. You are valuable to me. Grateful I am to have you apart of my life. My son will hear your story. I love you.

    Coach Doll

  6. I was incredibly saddened to hear about the accident on Tuesday. I don’t know either Zach or Connor on a personal level. I just know them from coaching against them the past couple years when Fosston played Park Christian. Zach, without a doubt, is the BEST leader I have ever seen at the high school level and was a fierce competitor. He was the type of player that would get under your skin, but he was the first to not only shake hands after the game, but hug nearly every player and coach of the opposing team – his leadership continued in showing everyone what sportsmanship was about. Connor was following in his brothers footsteps. I remember when they played in Fosston last season, Connor suffered some type of injury. Zach was one of the first people to go out and help his brother. You could tell how much they loved each other. Ray and Kathie…I don’t know either of you other than saying hello to Ray when I would see him at games or camps, but both of you did a remarkable job of raising 2 kids of faith with remarkable work ethics. As hard as it may be, you should feel proud. Apparently God needed a couple more angels to watch over all of us. Continued thoughts and prayers from the Fosston Greyhound family to yours.

  7. Ray & Kathie: Our hearts ache for you. We pray that God provides you with His blessings and strength in the coming months & years ahead.

  8. I have not words, only prayers for you loss. The community is in shock and disbelief that these two wonderful boys, who have been raised to be outstanding young men, have been taken away too young. My son Josh was fortunate to have known Zach and competed against him in basketball and had the opportunity to play football with him when they were younger. Josh told me, “Zach is probably the nicest guy, I’ve ever met. He always was encouraging, and pushed me to do better. I don’t think he has ever done a bad thing in his life, I have never heard him say a bad word about anyone”. Please know these boys have touched the lives of so many people in this community, not just his immediate team mates. The students who were fortunate enough to know Zach and Conner have very heavy hearts,, as their kindness and compassion made an impact.

  9. I was saddened to hear of the loss of your two boys. I can’t even imagine the pain and grief you must be experiencing, nor do I have any great words of comfort. I can only pray that God gives you peace and that you will be surrounded by family and friends to love, comfort and support you.

  10. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you constantly! I was one of the “good Samaritan’s” who tried to help at the accident. I have 4 sons. I cannot imagine what you are going through right now. Hang on to peace that only Jesus Christ can give you.

    John 10:27-29 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

  11. My deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family at this time of loss.

  12. not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts and prayers.
    Kathie, I have heard you share stories about the boys and seen the strength you and Ray have drawn from God to raise them according to God’s Word. May that strength from God and guidance from the Holy Spirit now be ever present to help you every moment of each day
    Love and prayers
    Colleen Buechler

  13. Ray and Kathy: It has been years since we have been in touch but I want you to know how saddened I was to see the news via the Fargo Forum internet that you had lost what were obviously two very fine sons. My heart goes out to both of you. Peace be with you and with your sons who are surely in heaven. glenn

  14. Dear Ray and Kathie:

    Our hearts breaks for you… May God give you a Peace that surpasses ALL human understanding… your friends,

    Keith and Debbie Bjerk

  15. I do know what your going through right now I lost my wife & son 24yrs ago this month. I know the boys are with Jesus looking down on your family. My wife and I are praying for everyone in your family and the boys friends as they work through there feeling.

    Fellow Bethel members

    Todd & Marie Meyer

  16. Our hearts & prayers are with you as you grieve this devastating loss. I & your former neighbors on Lilac have been praying for all of your family and friends for God’s comfort, strength, and strong arms to wrap you in His arms. <

  17. I did not know your two wonderful boys! Just wanted to say how sorry I am that you have lost them! I’m sure they will play plenty of Basketball with each other while they are up in heaven! I have absolutely no idea what you are going through. Hopefully all of the comments left here will give you a lot a comfort. Sounds like they were loved by many, many people! Stay Strong!!!

  18. We can not even fathom the grief you are experiencing. We are so very very sorry. I don’t even know what else to say. But we think of you and the boys daily and the pain you are in.

  19. Mr and Mrs Kvalvog:
    I do not know you and your boys at all but my heart goes out to the both of you. I have one son and can not even imagine the thought of losing him, but 2. I can see just by the pictures that your boys were fine young men. Know that a whole community is grieving with you. The Lord be with you…..

  20. Kathie and Ray,

    My prayers and love to you.

    “I will hold you ALWAYS in the PALM of My Hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:13

  21. Plenty of tears have been shed to help cleanse the sorrow and heaviness we feel for the loss of your two dear sons who we know through your stories, were a gift to you and to all who were blessed enough to have known them. Their spirit will live on through the many many lives they have touched and impacted and through all of the precious stories and memories that will be shared in all of the years to come.
    May you feel comforted by the love that surrounds you today and always. Please know you are not alone in this heavy and sorrowful time, but that we are all carrying you in Love, Faith and Prayers today and always.

  22. I am so very sorry for the loss of your two sons! I didn’t know them or your family, but as a mother of 4 I can’t even imagine such a loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this heart breaking time. I hope you can find comfort in your faith friends and family.

  23. Our love and prayers are with you during this unimaginable time. I see God and angel wings wrapped around Zach and Connor. Though they are in eternal heaven, many prayers for peace for you both. And knowing you will see them again.

    Steph

  24. Dear Ray and Kathie,

    What a blessing your boys were to you and the entire community.

    I am so sorry for the excruciating pain you are going through. I know it hurts physically, mentally, emotionally, and you are wondering how you are going to make it in this life. The journey is hard and grueling, and I am so thankful that you have a strong faith and church family. Lean on them. Grieve hard. Take your time and know that the journey ahead will be hard, but you will make it, I promise……

    I am from Sleepy Eye, MN, and lost my 2 biological children within 9 months of each other. Kaylie passed on June 5, 2013, as the result of an epileptic seizure. She was a teacher, coach, getting married, and loved by all. 9 months later our 20 year old son, Tyler, passed on March 7, 2014 as the result of a car accident. He was just like your boys. A tremendous athlete, kind, humble……missed by all.

    I am here for you when you need me. My kids welcomed Zach and Connor home and we know it is glorious.
    God is with us (our family and yours), and has blessed us beyond measure by giving us such wonderful children.

    I am praying for you……

  25. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I enjoyed watching the boys compete in youth basketball for years when coaching the Chargers. The relationship you had and joy you showed with them was always evident. God bless.

  26. Being a basketball coach and also a parent of two boys, I have no words to express my incredible sadness for you and your family. I can only hope and pray that you are now surrounded by family and friends that can help carry you through this time. I am so sorry, but please know there are many who are praying for you.

  27. I am so sorry for your loss. It was so fun watching Zach and Connor play basketball. I am from LPA and my brother played against Zach, he actually guarded him a few times. Anyways, I am sending my thoughts and prayers your way! ❤️

  28. Ray & Kathie: We are so sorry for your loss! While I am sure our words of sympathy do little to easy your pain, it our prayer that you will feel the love from those closest to you AND also from those who are reaching out across the miles and interceding on your behalf before God that He will comfort you in such a trying time as this. While an understanding is elusive apart from the acknowledgment that we live in a fallen world, and Satan may have gained a small victory, we do know that in the end, God Wins!. And because God wins, we who remain faithful to the end will also win due to the saving grace of Jesus in our lives. May you find joy in your memories of life well lived and retain a hope for the future. May God grant you His peace, and may He sustain you and bring healing to your hearts. Stand Fast. Cling to His promises. Continue to offer up sacrifices of praise. Glorify the Father.

  29. Ray, I worked with you at Piper Jaffrey in Grand Forks. I know there are not any words that I can say that will take away the pain that your family is going through but I am so sorry for your loss. Just reading some of the comments about Zachary and Connor it is obvious they were 2 very amazing kids. You and Kathie are in my thoughts and prayers.

  30. Hello, I don’t know you, but as a mother of 2 daughters close in age to your sons, born Sept 3, 1996 and Feb. 22, 1998, (yes, same birthday,) my heart is full and heavy with concern and sympathy for you. Your sons touched the lives of so many, and I know how proud that must make you feel. I want you to know that for every person who sends you condolences, there must be at least a hundred more whose hearts are also breaking for you. In your most difficult hours ahead, I hope you feel the hugging arms of all of us who would like to comfort you as you turn your faces to God. Prayers of calm, peace, and comfort to you and your extended family, both now, and in the months and years to come.
    Sincerely,
    Jeanne Pratt

  31. My heart goes out to you for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve also went to heaven on December 4, 2014.

  32. I cannot begin to comprehend the heartbreak you are experiencing. Just know your family is on the minds and hearts of so many people. Praying for comfort and strength for your family and all who feel the void in their lives as a result of this tragedy.

  33. Ray and Kathie,

    My dear friends. I will never know the grief you are going through. It breaks my heart to think that I will never be able to see your boys again. I have no words and can only pray that someday what you are feeling will diminish a little knowing that the hurt will never fully go away.

    You raised two excellent boys. Zachary was a leaders leader. I talked with him in the past month or so about possibly catching the football from time to time. He said anything for the team coach but I really like playing QB. I told him he was my QB. That is the type of giving leader he was.

    Connor was a great friend to my son. We liked to refer to them as the mini splash brothers because boy could Connor shoot the three. He was a good kid with a huge heart. There is always going to be a big whole in the heart of my youngest.

    God be with you both. Only His peace will carry you through this event that makes no sense to us.

    I love you both.

    Tim

  34. Dear Kathie and Ray,
    We felt devastated when we learned that both of your sons were killed in an accident last Tuesday!! We live near you on Franklin Lake and on Henry Hill Lane between Pelican Rapids and Detroit Lakes.
    Kathie and I visited last summer near Janet Rath’s house on the beach. However, we did not know your sons personally. We did love to observe their wonderful activities on the water with their Jet Skis, water skiing, and loving water sports! We also enjoyed the boys zipping by on their snow mobiles during the winter months!
    It is crystal clear to us that you both were very dedicated and loving parents who raised practically perfect sons!! There will be an obvious void in your lives as you move on. If there is any way that we can help you fill that void, please let us know!! Right now we know that you are full of grief and the related emotions associated with the process ~ anger; severe saddness; etc We would be available to visit with at any time!
    Love and Peace to you and your family members!
    Kathy and Jerry Stigman

  35. Dear Ray and Kathie,

    Thinking especially of you both as this grief is born. May it all be poured out before our God and Father, who cares for us.

    I am so thankful He meets us in whatever depths we are. We read of Christ in Isaiah 53, who was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” and “Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows”. To know Him through pain, grief and sorrow is indeed fellowship with Him.

    With His love,
    Jason and Elisabeth

  36. Dear Zach & Connor,
    Julie Rae is currently driving to be able to attend your funeral tomorrow. I’m sure you know by now how many hearts are broken due to the sudden and untimely departure you have made from us. However I also know you are now in a wonderful place. A place that I’m sure you can play all the basketball you’d want to with endless energy! WOW! What a concept! Those of us you leave behind will miss you, but in the blink of an eye we will see you again! We know that as much as we think we have a handle on things and are in charge back here on earth, we really don’t control much. Not much at all… Please ask of the good Lord that he dish out just a little extra strength to your mom and dad, and others in the next couple of days. Peace be with you.

  37. Our prayers go out to Ray and Kathie at this difficult time. We pray the the Lord will lift you up and give you strength to endure. We will continue to pray for strength and peace that passes all understanding.

  38. Ray and Kathie, We have been with you in prayer this past week, and will continue to be. May God’s strength be with you.

    Trevor and Joanne

  39. We have no words to express our thoughts for what you are going through!!! We know those two wonderful boys are with our Lord and know that He is also holding you in the palms of His hands. Our hearts ache for you and we pray for your strength in the coming days, months and years.
    Lee and Jane

  40. We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your two wonderful boys. We went to Wheaton to watch Zach play last year when Lola called and asked if we would want to meet her there. She introduced us to him and he seemed like a very nice fellow. Lola and I were classmates in school in Brandon. She and I keep in touch with each other and she’s told me so much about her family I feel like I almost know them. She was so proud of the boys and truly loved them. All of you are in our prayers. May the good Lord be with you.

  41. I am so sorry for the loss of your sons. There are no words I can say to you that will make it better for you. However, praise God that they were committed Christians and that you will see them again!

  42. There are no words to express how sorry we are in the sudden passing of you two sweet boys. We pray you will feel the loving arms of Jesus surround you in the days ahead. God bless you and keep you.

  43. I am very sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. Life is a precious gift, yet so short. God has promised to one day soon eliminate death forever, along with all sickness, pain and sorrow. (Rev.21:4) He has also promised to reunite us with our loved ones on a restored paradise earth. The Bible says he longs to do this. (John 5:28,29; Psalm 37:11,29; Job 14:14,15) I hope these scriptures will be of comfort to each of you and bring you peace.

  44. Please know (I do believe) that all of Fargo/Moorhead & surrounding areas are with your family/friends in the days/weeks/months & however long it takes to heal during this tragic time.
    I do not know you at all but just from what I have read & heard, You all have faith in Jesus Christ & he will see to it in open arms that you will get through this time of grief!
    One other person said it good.
    “May He hold you in the palm of his hands”.

  45. Ray and Kathie,

    Thinking of you, and your family & friends, at this sad time.
    Praying for comfort and peace for all of you.

    Deb Burdine
    Dougherty and Company LLC (Sioux Falls office)

  46. My heart is breaking for your family today as you are saying goodbye to your sons… When my sister Barb called me with the news last week, I could barely continue the drive home… I did not have the pleasure of knowing them, but know OF them due to all of the heartfelt messages on this sight and of course hearing from Barb and Ray … I work at a church and this morning at our staff meeting, we held your family up in prayers… I know your entire community is doing the same…. and will continue in the days and weeks and months ahead…. Words are just not adequate at this time…. May God’s peace comfort you today and surround you as somehow life goes on….. Diane Almos

  47. I don’t know you, but read of your sons accident, and death. My deepest sympathy to you. God bless you in the days , and years to come. I wanted to share a poem written by Jo Linnes several years ago for a family who lost their young daughter in a tragic accident. May it give you some small comfort.

    AND I SAID TO MY CHILD
    IF I WRAP YOU WARMLY
    AND KEEP YOU CLOSE
    WILL YOU REMAIN WITH ME?

    YES, SAID THE CHILD,
    BUT MY WINGS WILL NEVER GROW
    IF I DON’T USE THEM

    ALRIGHT, I SAID,
    I WILL LET YOU GO IN THE SUNLIGHT
    AND IN THE DARK
    YOU WILL RETURN TO ME

    AND SO THE CHILD GREW
    AND FLEW ON STRONG WINGS
    UNTIL ONE DAY
    WHEN HIS MAKER CAUGHT HIM
    IN THE SUNLIGHT OF YOUTH
    AND RETURNED WITH HIM TO HIS HOME.

  48. Our son, Dean Vetter, sent us the sad news about your boys. We saw Connor play basketball a few months ago while watching our grandson, Brett, play. As we walked out of the gym I remember saying to Connor, “We really enjoyed watching you play today-such a fireball on the court”. He said, ” Thanks” & we also saw the smile on his Dad’s face. We still shed tears for you. We know Heaven is our Home & our earthly home is only a “tent”. May God comfort you knowing your faith is truly being tested right now.

  49. I did not know your sons but have two myself in basketball that travel together to their basketball events all year. My heart goes out to your family for your loss. Please know as one basketball parent to another I’m so sorry for your loss. When I read the story it broke my heart wondering how you must feel. My thoughts are with you.

  50. I am so sorry for your loss. I know being a Mother was very important to you Kathy. May you remember the wonderful years your boys brought you. Let me know if I can do anything for you. GOD BLESS.

  51. Though there are no words that will ease your pain, please know that I with many are thinking of you and praying for your peace.

  52. My deepest sympathy in the devastating loss of your beautiful boys.
    I read the following during morning prayer this week and thought of you two.
    Please know that we are praying for you.

    Saint Aloysius Gonzaga:
    Letter to His Mother

    May the comfort and grace of the Holy Spirit be yours for ever, most honored lady. Your letter found me lingering still in this region of the dead, but now I must rouse myself to make my way on to heaven at last and to praise God for ever in the land of the living; indeed I had hoped that before this time my journey there would have been over. If charity, as Saint Paul says, means to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who are glad, then, dearest mother, you shall rejoice exceedingly that God in his grace and his love for you is showing me the path to true happiness, and assuring me that I shall never lose him.

    The divine goodness, most honored lady, is a fathomless and shoreless ocean, and I confess that when I plunge my mind into thought of this it is carried away by the immensity and feels quite lost and bewildered there. In return for my short and feeble labours, God is calling me to eternal rest; his voice from heaven invites me to the infinite bliss I have sought so languidly, and promises me this reward for the tears I have so seldom shed.

    Take care above all things, most honoured lady, not to insult God’s boundless loving kindness; you would certainly do this if you mourned as dead one living face to face with God, one whose prayers can bring you in your troubles more powerful aid than they ever could on earth. And our parting will not be for long; we shall see each other again in heaven; we shall be united with our Saviour; there we shall praise him with heart and soul, sing of his mercies for ever, and enjoy eternal happiness. When he takes away what he once lent us, his purpose is to store our treasure elsewhere more safely and bestow on us those very blessings that we ourselves would most choose to have.

    I write all this with the one desire that you and all my family may consider my departure a joy and favor and that you especially may speed with a mother’s blessing my passage across the waters till I reach the shore to which all hopes belong. I write the more willingly because I have no clearer way of expressing the love and respect I owe you as your son.

  53. Our hearts go out to you for the loss of your beautiful sons. We did not know them but they touched our hearts. We have been praying for your family and our deepest sympathy goes out to you in your great loss. What comfort knowing they are with our Lord & Savior and you will be reunited! God will carry you through this!

    Tim & Gwen Watson
    Fargo

  54. Ray and Kathie, From myself and the entire staff of Braaten Cabinets, we extend our sympathies to you and your family. May God be with you during this difficult time.
    Sincerely, Nicole Schlecht Olafson, Braaten Cabinets.

  55. Ray and Kathie- I don’t know your beautiful family but I did grow up in Newfolden , MN like Ray. I read your forum interview and just wanted to say- you said you don’t know why this happened, I don’t either but look at all of the wonderful things you’ve found out about them since- they were and still are amazing boys and role models, in their brief time on earth they sure have a lot of themselves, take comfort in that- I’m 38 and was widowed last year in a tragic medical accident n though I’m still hurting it helps to remind myself what an incredible person Andy was n we’ll be together again soon- Love n Hugz- Erica

  56. Ray and Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost an 11 year old son just 2 1/2 years ago, so while no grief is the same, I do understand deep loss.

    Here are some things I have found on my journey.

    It is okay to cry.

    It is okay to talk about your boys even if it makes other people uncomfortable.

    You never will “get over it”, because you will always still be their parents, even if they are in heaven.

    You can learn to live again, but for now just grieve it is okay.

    There is no timetable for grief and it is not linear.

    Cry out or shout out to Jesus. He can take it.

    Hold onto one another, but let your spouse have grieve in their own way. There is no one right way to grieve.

    Seek counsel and advice when you are ready from professionals or those who have also experienced deep loss, but only hold on to what is useful, including any of my comments.

  57. I am so very sorry for your loss. Zach and Connor are everything to me. I may have grown apart from them as we got older but I knew our hearts still had a bond and we thought of each other at times. I always looked up to him. Zach always made me feel special and loved. I will always remember singing in the car with you and Zach and Connor telling us to stop. I am so glad I got to spend my early years of childhood with your kids. They taught me so much and I want to follow in their footsteps to be like them. Keep holding on Kathie and Ray. We are all here for you even though we could not possibly feel what you are feeling. I love you two so very much and your beautiful sons. Gos bless your lives and I cant wait for the day to be in heaven with all of you and feel no pain. Rest in peace my angels.

  58. I did not hear about this until a few days ago and wanted to tell you how very sorry I was to hear it. Ray, my grandmother often referred to you as her favorite nephew, and though I think I only met you a couple times, it still felt like a family tragedy to me. After I learned of it, I found the stories and interview and was deeply touched. Our hearts go out to you and we hope you find comfort in the memories you have with your boys.

  59. Just wanted to express our sorrow for your loss. Zachary was our son Ricky’s first friend in preschool at Frohlich. Keeping you in our prayers. God Bless.

  60. Dear Ray and Kathie,

    We were so very sorry to hear of your great loss of your two precious boys! Our hearts ache with you and we have prayed for you often in these last weeks since we heard…There are no words to say except what you wrote about them was so beautiful and you will hold them in your arms again someday. We are praying you experience the comfort only our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can give you in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. We will continue to lift you to our Heavenly Father in the days ahead…

    Love in Christ,
    Dean & Annie Johnson

  61. Dear Ray & Kathie,
    I am a complete stranger but felt so compelled to send my sympathy to you as I am wide awake unable to sleep, & just happened to come upon the story of your precious sons. As tears come to my eyes, I can not imagine your pain 🙁 My heart hurts for you & I am struggling to try to find something to say that could possibly help in even the slightest way!! I am a mom of 3, and can’t fathom what you must be going through?! Your boys sound like amazing children & had such profound influences on those that knew them. You are obviously wonderful parents & should be extremely proud to have raised such outstanding kids. Your faith is so strong & I commend you for that strength. At a time like this it is very hard to not question Gods plan? I feel as a lot of people do I’m sure, why them? Why such wonderful boys that could do so much good here on Earth? Why both of them? Why not those who are struggling here? The only thing I can think is that there must be something VERY important that God needed their help with, and he wanted them to be able to do it together!! My heart broke reading the article where you were saying “what is all this for now?” in reference to your house, basketball court, etc… I can imagine it must be a day to day struggle to deal with life each day without your boys 🙁 I am sure that God also has a plan for you! I don’t think you are done raising children, it sounds like there are many of your sons friends love you & they are all a little part both Zach & Connor! Each one of them shared in your sons lives, & share the same memories, and different ones with them. They are connected to them for life as are you. Your presence in their lives will be comforting to all of them as they also feel the loss of your sons. You can be strong support & influence for the youth in your town, church, school, etc.. You will all be together again some day 😇 Please know that thoughts & prayers for strength and peace come from so many, including this complete stranger from North Dakota who just happened upon your story. God Bless your family …. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  62. Loved knowing these guys. I was one grade under Connor and he and Zach put their minds to football basketball and Jesus. I will see them in heaven one day. Ray and Cathie you will always be in my prayers. Lots of park Christian school love. God bless you. Josh B.


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