Raymond Uskiewicz, 79, Minot died Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at his residence.
Raymond George Uskiewicz was born on Feb. 2, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA to Leo and Cecelia (Brooks) Uskiewicz. He was raised there and later graduated from high school in Pennsylvania.
Raymond enlisted into the U.S. Air Force on January 28, 1965, and was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. It was there where he met and married the love of his life, Karen Matovich in September of that year.
Shortly after marriage, Raymond was deployed to Vietnam. He served in the Red Horse Division as a heavy equipment operator. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1969, but re-enlisted again shortly after. During his time of service, Raymond did a total of two tours. In between those tours, his first son, Steve, was born in Montana in March of 1970.
Upon his return to the Air Force, he was assigned to K. I. Sawyer Air Base in Michigan. It was here where his second son, Andrew, was born in September of 1972. In 1973, Raymond was assigned to Hickum Air Force Base in Hawaii, where he was stationed until 1980. During their time in Hawaii, Raymond and Karen welcomed their third child, Amber, in January of 1979. Raymond was later assigned in 1980 to Shaw Air Base in South Carolina, where his family stayed until his final assignment to the Minot Air Force Base in 1983. He remained working in Minot until retiring from active duty. During his years in the Air Force, Raymond earned 3 purple hearts and was honorably discharged a final time in 1992. Upon his exit from active duty, Raymond went on to work for the Civil Service in Minot for a total of 20 years as a heavy equipment operator, officially retiring in 2012.
In his free time, Raymond enjoyed watching the classics on TV. His most notable favorites were Columbo, M.A.S.H., and Gunsmoke. He also enjoyed watching Judge Judy on a daily basis. Raymond had a passion for gardening, raising flowers and planting trees. He had a love for all things of nature, as well as all animals; especially cats. Raymond will be remembered most for his many years of dedicated service to our country, his “old-fashioned” ways, and his love for his family.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Cecelia, and brothers Ralph and Donald.
Raymond is survived by his wife Karen, sons Steven (Tammy) Uskiewicz of Sawyer, Andrew Uskiewicz of Minot, daughter Amber (Bill) Timmreck of Minot, granddaughters Autumn and Cheyenne, sisters Lorainne Konczyk of Philadelphia, PA. and Connie McGlory of Florida, and several nieces and nephews.
Liturgy of the word service: 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2023, in the Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel in Minot.
Visitation and book signing: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home in Minot.
