18 May Ray Seifert
Posted at 18:31h
in Uncategorized
by staff
Ray Seifert, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2023, at Augusta Place, Bismarck. Mass of Christian burial and to honor and celebrate Ray’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Ascension Catholic Church, 1825 South 3rd St., Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday at Bismarck Funeral Home, 3723 Lockport Dr., Bismarck. A prayer service will take place at 7:00 PM during the visitation, offering an opportunity for loved ones to come together in support and remembrance.
Ray was born on June 5, 1937, and spent his formative years on a small farm near Judson, North Dakota, where he developed a deep appreciation for nature and hard work. He was the beloved son of William Seifert and Emma (Borchers). In November 16, 1963, Ray married the love of his life, Lillian Seifert, and together they embarked on a lifelong journey of love, companionship, and shared dreams.
Ray and Lillian were blessed with two children, Bradley Seifert and Dean Seifert, who brought immense joy and pride into their lives. Ray’s dedication to his family was unwavering, and he cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Lillian, his two sons and their wives, Bradley (wife Lyn) and Dean (wife Tina), seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, with another one on the way.
Throughout his professional career, Ray worked diligently as a Statistician for the State Highway Department, dedicating 40 years of service to improving his community’s infrastructure. His unwavering commitment and work ethic left a lasting impact on those he served. In June 1999, Ray retired, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication.
In retirement, Ray and Lillian embarked on a new chapter of their lives by starting a successful craft business. His passion for woodworking led them to create exquisite pens and pencils from exotic wood and deer antlers. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail garnered admiration from their customers and brought them immense satisfaction.
Ray had a passion for woodworking, particularly in the restoration of broken and discarded furniture like chairs, tables, and trunks. He found joy in visiting auction sales, while Lillian enjoyed exploring garage sales. Whenever they stopped at garage sales, Lillian would jokingly remind Ray, “No tables or trunks.” However, Ray couldn’t resist the temptation and would eventually join Lillian after spotting a table or trunk that caught his eye. He felt compelled to purchase them and attempt to bring them back to life, even if some seemed beyond repair. As a result, our home is now filled with his magical creations, as he successfully restored these items and made them functional once again.
Ray had a vibrant and jovial personality. His infectious laughter, combined with his knack for sharing jokes and witty comebacks, made him the life of every gathering. He had an adventurous spirit and found solace in the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and gardening were among his favorite pastimes, allowing him to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty.
Ray Seifert touched the lives of many with his warmth, kindness, and infectious spirit. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration for all who mourn his loss.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Ray’s honor to the Catholic Charities of North Dakota or a charity of your choice.
