Raymond Wasness

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Raymond Sylvester Wasness, 93, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2022, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND.A memorial service will be held Friday, September 23, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church in Northwood. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. unitl the time of the service at the church.

Raymond was born June 3, 1929 on a farm near Northwood to Ben and Minnie (Bjerke) Wasness. He   was baptized and confirmed at Bethania Lutheran Church, rural Northwood. Raymond later joined Ebenezer Lutheran Church. He grew up and worked on the family farm while attending a rural school.

Raymond continued to farm and married Florence (Ricker) on June 23, 1954. They farmed and grew a variety of crops for many years. In addition, he cofounded E&W Drying and worked for Custom Marketing. They raised five children in the Northwood area. Raymond and Florence continued to be lifelong members of Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Over the years, Florence and Raymond enjoyed travel and in retirement traveled to Arizona during the winter months for 25 years. Raymond will be fondly remembered by his family, friends, and neighbors. He was always up for coffee and a chat. Raymond kept very active into his 90s.  He loved golfing in Arizona and North Dakota with friends and family. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting in his spare time.

He is survived by his five children: John Wasness, Northwood; Mary (Robert) Gallos, Winnipeg; Ronald (Dee) Wasness, Arizona; Janelle (Tron) Bandy, Iowa; and Timothy (Becky) Wasness, Larimore; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great grandchildren; 3 step-great great grandchildren; and brother Allen (Clarene) Wasness of Larimore.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ben and Minnie Wasness; wife, Florence Wasness; sister, Madeline Thorsgard.