The world has lost a master craftsman, jack-of-all trades, and all around BS’r!
Raymond Klein, 72, of Bismarck, passed away April 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, at Sanford Health, Bismarck
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at First Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND. The burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. A Livestream of the service will be available on the First Lutheran Church website.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 5:30 -7:30 PM at First Lutheran Church, with a Prayer Service at 7:30 PM.
Ray was born on April 4, 1951, to Teafil and Mary (Gruenberg) Klein in Bismarck, ND. He was raised and educated in Bismarck, graduating from Bismarck High School in 1970. Soon after graduation he joined the United States Navy and served from 1971 to 1973 on the USS Jason. He went on to the North Dakota State College of Science for Architectural Drafting.
On January 24, 1975, he married the love of his life, Connie Lapp in Bismarck, ND. Together they raised their children, Heather and Randy.
He enjoyed woodworking, with his abundance of skills, he worked at Hager’s Cabinet Shop, Winger’s Cabinet Shop, McDowel’s Big Boy, Northwest Contracting, and he proudly owned Ray’s Custom Finishing and Woodworking. Some of his best work is at the Custer house. He proudly refinished a grandfather clock belonging to Otto von Bismarck’s family as well as many clocks at Walkers n’ Daughters Jewelers were refinished by Ray. The more challenging a project was, the more he liked it. Just try telling him he couldn’t do it!!
Some of Ray’s favorite time was spent fishing. He was especially proud of his northern pike, 21.25 lbs. and 42 inches. He also was scheduled to go on the Honor flight on April 30, 2023, he was so excited that he started packing 2 months ago. Most of all, his family meant the world to him, and they were his pride and joy, especially his “little sweetheart”, granddaughter, Lauryn.
Ray will be dearly missed by his wife, Connie; daughter, Heather Klein; son, Randy (Shanelle) Klein; granddaughter, Lauryn; seven sisters, Wanda (Harry) Wolbaum, Julia Rahrich, Connie Jo Fahlsing, Patti (Darcy) Ritter, Vicky (Joe) Mills, Bonnie Kendall, Tammy (George) Mills; sister-in-law, Cindy (Rick) Getz, brothers-in-law, Tim (Lois) Lapp, and Roger Lapp; and his adored pets, “cuppy” Oscar, and Kitty Ollie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Mary Klein, nephew, Robbie Rahrich; great nephew, Joey Bauer; and in-laws, Bill and Betty Lapp; as well as numerous other friends and relatives.
To view the livestream please click on the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YnFlpSFYzs