Ray Ramstad

Ray L. Ramstad, 61, died peacefully Aug. 17, 2005, in his home in Mayville, N.D. He was under the loving care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, whom the family wished to gratefully thank for their excellent loving care.

Ray, the son of Gilman and Hilda (Hyland) Ramstad, was born Jan. 31, 1944, in Northwood, N.D. He lived on a farm by North Golden Lake, went to Beaver Creek Center School for a few years, and the family moved to a farm near Hatton, where he attended high school and graduated in 1963.

That same year, he enlisted in the Army and served two tours of duty as a crew chief on a Huey helicopter while being awarded numerous medals for his dedication and service to this country that he loved.

When his tours ended, he returned home to Hatton, where he married Sharon Karlstad (daughter of Edgar and Agnes Karlstad) on March 9, 1968. They started their lives together in Mayville, where Ray worked at the Mayville elevator until 1971. They then moved the family to Hatton, where he farmed and was a general contractor until 1987.

Ray and family then moved to Whitefish and partnered in a construction company with his brother-in-law, Gary Karlstad, and family. He also served in the National Guard Unit in Kalispell, where he specialized as a turret mechanic on M-1 Abram tanks.

In 1997, Ray and Sharon moved back to North Dakota, where he continued carpentry until 1999, when Ray was diagnosed with cancer. He was treated and blessed with six more wonderful years with his family and friends. Ray enjoyed working as head custodian at the MPCG High School and middle school until cancer took over once again.

Ray loved fishing and hunting of any kind, but especially enjoyed duck and goose hunting. He loved spending his time with his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Ray is preceded in death by his father, Gilman, and infant granddaughter Megan Ramstad (daughter of Barry Ramstad).

He is survived by his wife Sharon; his mother Hilda, of Mayville; daughter Brenda (Jon) Chandler, of Portland, N.D.; and sons Barry (Tawnia) Ramstad, of Columbia Falls, Scott Ramstad, of Mayville, N.D., and Sven (Kim) Evelsizer, of Broomfield, Colo.; mother-in-law Agnes Karlstad; 12 grandchildren; and a brother, Eldred Ramstad.

Funeral services were held Aug. 22, 2005, at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel, in Mayville, N.D., with interment at the Bruflat Cemetery, in Portland N.D.