Armend Lynner

Minot

Armend Lynner, 89, of Minot, North Dakota, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Armend Larry Lynner was born on October 29, 1936, in Rawson, North Dakota, the son of Oscar and Linda (Anklam) Lynner. He graduated in 1955 from Watford City High School in Watford City, North Dakota. Thereafter, he attended Business College in Minot, ND. While living in Minot, he met his future wife, RaNae Phelps.

Armend and RaNae were married on November 26, 1958, in Minot; thereafter Armend enlisted in the Army National Guard and they made the move to Kansas, where he was stationed. While there they made lifelong friends. Upon his discharge, they moved back home to Minot, where they raised their family. Over the span of his career, Armend was part owner/general manager and accountant of Minot Ready Mix. He was employed with Mackley Construction for a time as business accountant, as well as the Minot Air Force Base, Lowe’s Printing, and YMCA as an accountant. He then made the move to the banking industry and was employed with First National Bank, Norwest Bank, and his final career move was to Bremer Bank in 1978 where he remained a trust officer with Bremer until his retirement in 1999. In addition, Armend assisted many other businesses and individuals with their finances/bookkeeping/taxes over the years. He was known for his sharp fiscal mind and unfaltering ethics.

Armend was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, where he served as church treasurer for many years. He was a staunch advocate of the Minot YMCA, where he served on the board for many years, attending and volunteering at every rodeo that the Y’s Men sponsored. He remained a member of the Y’s Men until his death. He received many awards and recognition over the years for the various memberships he was involved in.

Armend was a caring father to his three children. Armend and RaNae enjoyed their many adventures raising their children. His patience was unwavering and his dedication unrivaled.

Armend enjoyed deer hunting with his friends and son. He was an avid sports fan; there wasn’t a sporting event he did not enjoy watching! He was generous with his time and enjoyed helping others; always eager to lend a hand especially when it involved the outdoors and pets. He enjoyed the many visits from his children and grandchildren (and great grandchildren) and they were precious to him. He was also a grandfather to many of his children’s pets; even the animals sensed his calm and kind demeanor.

Armend was a pure and calming soul and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Armend is survived by his wife, RaNae, and their three children, Lynne (Brian) Matthews, Lori (Jerry) Maragos, Lee (Julie) Lynner, six grandchildren, Jeremy, Kaleb, Makenzi, Dallas, Chyna, and Kaitlyn; three great-grandchildren, Mason, Elijah, and Riley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Linda Lynner, mother and father-in-law, Roy and Verna Phelps, brother, Orville Lynner, and brothers-in-law, Roger Phelps and Gary Phelps.

Celebration of Armend’s Life: 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot

Visitation: Wednesday, February 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Minot Family YMCA or Zion Lutheran Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service access: https://www.youtube.com/@ZionMinot/streams

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 17, 2026.