Raymond E. Johnson

Raymond E. Johnson, 81, Moorhead, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday November 13th, 2014 at his home with his family by his side.

Ray was born December 3rd, 1932 at the home farm near Hitterdal, MN to Norman and Freida Bordalen Johnson. At the age of 5 the family moved to Detroit Lakes, MN where he started grade school. Later he attended school at Moorhead State Teachers College Grade School. He also attended school at Hawley, MN before the family moved back to Moorhead where he graduated from high school in 1951.
He was a member of the United States Naval Reserve from 1950 to 1958.

On May 8th, 1954, he married Karen Jesten at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead. They moved to Fargo in 1958, where Ray worked for Fairway Foods from 1951 to 1963. In 1963 Ray started a career with American Family Insurance, retiring in 1997.

Ray and Karen were married for a wonderful 60 years. Ray enjoyed fishing and golfing every chance he got. The time he spent with his children, grandchildren and his friends were very precious times. He was a member of the Fargo Elks Club, The Eagles, and the American Legion.

His strong faith In Jesus Christ has been his strength and guiding light all of his life. Ray was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND.
Ray was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be missed by all. He was truly a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Ray is survived by his wife, Karen of Moorhead; sons, Mark of Rancho Viejo, TX; Scott Debby of Berthoud, CO; daughter, Susan R. Grundysen BJ of Fargo; four grandchildren, Rae Ann and Molly Grundysen of Fargo, Chelsie and Tory Johnson of Berthoud, CO; brother, Hank Halvorson of Fargo; sister, Kristine Kasper of Moorhead; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Owen, Norris and John; and sisters, Elvira Griminger and Doris Leoni.

Memorial service will be at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 613 16th St S, Fargo, ND 58103 on Monday November 17th, 2014 at 11:00 AM, with gathering one hour prior to the service.