Ronald Prater • 1944 - 2010

Ronald Prater, 66, Minot, ND, died Thursday, September 23, 2010, in his home.

Ronald Joe Prater was born April 20, 1944, a son of Roy and Sybil (Duff) Prater, in San Jose, CA. He was raised and educated in Stockton, CA, and graduated from Manteca High School.

Ron enlisted in the United States Army and worked as a helicopter mechanic and was honorably discharged in 1964. Following his honorable discharge, Ron worked for Sharp’s Army Depot in French Camp, CA, for a number of years.

Ron married LaRae Ann Lovdahl November 20, 1971, in Stockton, California. They made their home in Stockton, CA, where he worked maintenance for the City of Stockton. He retired from there in 1990. In October of 1990, they moved to Minot, ND. LaRae passed away September 12, 1999. Following his wife’s death, he had continued to reside in Minot since.

He and wife attended First Lutheran Church and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, both of Minot  

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing the guitar, especially with his local band, Acousticatz.

Ron’s battle with cancer was marked by a remarkable inner strength, strong will, courage, dignity and an unfailing sense of humor. Ron was truly one of a kind and was an inspiration to all who knew him. He had left many inspired family friends, all of whom love him dearly and will miss him greatly.

Surviving family includes:  sons, Joseph Ryan Prater and Ryan Joseph Prater, both of Minot;
grandchildren, Caleb Gagne Prater and Jackson Gagne Prater; brother, Don Prater, Minot, Carl Prater, Quinton, OK, Charles “Sonny” (Edna) Prater, Stockton, CA; nephews, Roy Prater, and his children, Christina, Jillene and Tambri; Troy Prater; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; wife, LaRae; brother, Ken Prater and Robert Prater; sister, June Prater.

Funeral: Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment:  Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Officiant: Pastor Curt Hanson

Music
 “Amazing Grace” by his great-niece, Christina
“I’ll Soon Cross Down to the River to Pray”
by his great-niece, Jill Prater
“He Grew The Tree” by Dr. Teri Hurly
 “Go Rest High On That Mountain” CD by Vince Gill

Honorary Bearers: Ron’s family and friends

Active Bearers: Joe Prater,  Ryan Prater, Don Prater, Roy Prater, Troy Prater, Mike Prater

Military honors accorded by the ND National Funeral Honor Guard.

Following the graveside service, please join the family for a time of fellowship and lunch at Ryan Prater’s residence, located at 916 W. Central Ave, Minot.

Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of Ron.

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