Raymond F. Wersinger, Jr.

Ray Wersinger age 74 of rural Crystal (Stokesville) ND passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, April 14, 2023 at the First Care Health Center in Park River, ND with family at his side.  Ray was born on February 17, 1949 in Dubuque, Iowa to Raymond Sr and Lavone Wersinger.  He attended school in Dubuque, graduating from Wahlert Catholic High School in 1967.  Following in his father’s footsteps Ray then joined the navy in 1968 and was stationed aboard the combat stores ship, USS San Diego, that served the Atlantic Fleet.  Honorably discharged from the service to his country in 1972 Ray returned home to Dubuque where he made the acquaintance of Kay Siewert. Ray and Kay were united in marriage on November 15, 1974, till his death they did part.

Ray was employed in Dubuque until 1988, when he and Kay moved to Auburn, ND to be closer to family. Raymond was employed at Life Skills and Transition Center where he was a dedicated employee until his retirement in 2014. Ray liked his job and was a favorite of his coworkers, whom he spoke of often.  Ray lived a quiet life. Ray and Kay enjoyed their many cats, UND Hockey, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packers and NDSU football. Of course, there was yard work that included plenty of mowing and there were always excursions for groceries, the mail and a newspaper. Rays buddy, grandnephew Bentlee, helped Ray with the mowing and other things. Raymond reserved as a special treat for himself an occasional trip to the local casino!  Ray was known for his gentle demeanor and laid-back personality.

In 2006 Ray and Kay moved to a home on the Reilly family farm, rural Crystal. Ray enjoyed the impromptu visits from family, checking on the animals and keeping an eye on all of the coming and going at the farm shop.

Ray will be extremely missed by his wife Kay and family.  Those who knew Ray may be comforted knowing that he was assisted these last couple months by Carol, who considered Ray a very special and favorite brother-in-law.

Ray leaves behind his loving wife Kay, sister-in-law Carol (Clyde) Reilly, Crystal, ND and all of their North Dakota children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, brother-in-law Keith (Mary Kay) Siewert, Leesburg, Florida and family, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.  Preceding Raymond Wersinger Jr. in death are his parents Raymond Sr. and Lavone Wersinger, his mother-in-law Dorthy Jean Siewert and brother-in-law Curtis Siewert.

A huge thank you to Carol, Clyde and family for all of the assistance provided to Ray and I so that he was able to remain at home during the past couple of months. Thank you to all of the staff at First Care Health Center (clinic and hospital), Altru hospital, Crystal Quick Response, and Park River Ambulance. All the staff were awesome, caring for Ray with such kindness.

There will be no services. Memorials can be made to Crystal Quick Response, Crystal, ND.