Raymond O. Strachen, 60, Karlsruhe, formerly of Minot, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012, in his home.
Raymond Odin Strachen was born Oct. 4, 1951, the son of Raymond James and Erma Phyllis (Pederson) Strachen, in Cando. He was raised and educated in Minot.
Ray enlisted in the Marine Corps on Dec. 9, 1969. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged Jan. 16, 1970.
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Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Ray worked for Geiger Concrete in Minot.
Ray married Diana Lynn Herman on Dec. 18, 1984, in Minot. They made their home in Minot, where he worked for Ernie's Concrete. In 1989, Ray and Diana moved to Bothell, Wash. Ray worked for R & H Construction in Seattle and later worked for Grease Monkey as a mechanic in Seattle. Ray and Diana moved back to North Dakota in 1995. He went back to work for Ernie's Concrete and continued to work there until ill health forced him to retire in May 2011.
He enjoyed working on old Ford trucks, and was a World War II history buff. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching football, NASCAR racing, John Wayne movies and the TCM Movie Channel, as well as going for rides with his dogs, Jet and Bambi, and spending time with his family and buddies.
Surviving family includes: wife, Diana, Karlsruhe; brother, James "Jimmy" Strachen, Minot; sister-in-law, Janet Herman, Karlsruhe; nieces and nephews, Candy (Lonn) Satran, Minot, Chad (Trish) Strachen, Minot, Brianna Strachen, Fargo, and Emily Schiele, Karlsruhe; great-nieces and great-nephews, Tanner and Kyler Satran, Cheyann Strachen and Logyn Hibberds; and several cousins.
Ray was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; and sister-in-law, Diane Strachen.
Funeral: Wednesday, June 20, 2 p.m., at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva. Private family interment: Velva Community Cemetery, Velva, at a later date.
Visitation: Today, June 19, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice.
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).
