Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 272244
Title: Ray V. Grager
Date: 7/8/1933-7/16/2026
Inscription/Marks: 7/8/1933
Summary: Ray Vernon Grager, 93, of Carrington, ND, passed peacefully on July 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and held in the grace of his Lord and Savior. A time of fellowship was July 23, 2026, at the Chieftain in Carrington. His burial was at the Carrington Cemetery. Ray was born on July 8, 1933, to Avolt and Leisetta (Treichel) Grager. He was baptized and confirmed at St John's Lutheran Church in Bordulac, ND. Ray grew up with a strong appreciation for family, faith, and the value of honest labor. He graduated from Grace City High School in 1951. After school, Ray continued farming with his dad on the family farm. From March 1955 through December 1956, he proudly served his country in the United States Army while in Korea. His service was a source of quiet pride and reflected the same dedication and integrity that characterized every part of his life. Following his military service, Ray returned home to the life he loved most—farming. He spent his entire life working the land, embracing each season with determination, gratitude, and unwavering commitment. Farming was more than a livelihood; it was his calling and a reflection of his deep respect for God's creation. Ray married the love of his life, Marlene Oase, on June 30, 1962. For 64 years (plus 15 days more according to Ray) they built a life rooted in faith, love, family, laughter, and hospitality. A beautiful testament to one another. He especially enjoyed spending time side by side with Marlene in the kitchen, baking and cooking meals that brought family and friends together. Playing cards, shuffleboard, and dancing were some of the things he loved most while in Arizona. Many cherished memories were created. Ray was an active member and officer of St Paul's Lutheran Church. He was also the secretary of AAL for many years. He served on the Johnson Township board for many years as chairman, supervisor, and clerk-treasurer. Ray was gifted with his hands and found great joy in carpentry and woodworking. Whether building furniture, fixing something for others, or creating a special gift for a loved one, he took pride in every project. He was happiest when he was working, serving others, and spending time with his family. Together with his beloved wife, Marlene, and their two special friends, Ray faithfully served others. They operated Mar Don's Country Catering for 15 years and the Sykeston Cafe for a couple of years. Ray's servant heart, quiet generosity, and love for others left a lasting impact on all those who knew him. Those who knew Ray will remember his gentle spirit, generous heart, and steadfast faith. He was a man of God whose life reflected Christ through simple acts of kindness, compassion, and service. His favorite saying, "God is good," was more than words—it was the foundation of how he lived each day. He led by example, teaching his family that true strength is found in humility, faithfulness, and love. Those words remain a source of comfort and hope, and they beautifully summarize the man he was and the life he led. Ray's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; his children, Michelle (Ron) Allmendinger, Kim Grager, Todd (Darcie) Grager, and Tami (Tim) Aljets; nine grandchildren, Josh (Melissa) Allmendinger, Luke Allmendinger, Shania (Drew) Volk, Trent (Katie) Grager, MaKall (Alex Stedman) Grager, Raquel Grager, Travis (Chelsea) Aljets, Jessica (Benjamin) Charon, and a special granddaughter-in-law, Monica Allmendinger; 24 great-grandchildren; and one precious great-grandchild on the way; sisters, Loretta Baumbach, Louise (Jerome) Glimm; and numerous nieces and nephews. He cherished every moment spent with his family and took great pride in watching each new generation grow. He was greeted in heaven by his grandson, Jake Allmendinger; his parents; and his brother, Cliff Grager.
Red ID: FND_I_79736 Image ID: 596194 Image Notes: FND001 272244

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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