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Raymond Smiley Straight
• 1908 - 2003 Raymond Smiley Straight, 95, 305 8th Ave. NE, Minot, died Thursday, July 24, 2003, in a Minot nursing home. Raymond was born April 24, 1908, in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Louis and Katherine (Smiley) Straight. He moved with his family to Wildrose, ND, where he was raised and educated and participated in sports and band. He graduated from Wildrose High School. He attended two years at Minot State College where he earned his teaching certificate. He then taught school in Mandan. Raymond served during World War II in the Army National Guard. On December 20, 1936 he married Eva Bertsch at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot. Raymond was employed by the Great Northern Railroad. In the 1950's he began his own concession business, a business which he owned and operated for over 50 years. He received numerous concessionaire awards in both North Dakota and South Dakota. In his younger years Ray was a golden glove boxer in Minneapolis. Raymond was a charter member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Minot. Survivors: Wife, Eva Straight, Minot; sons, James Straight, Minot, and Duane Straight, Crystal, MN; daughters, Joan Blankenship, Denver, CO, and Dianne Giessinger, Minot; daughters-in-law, Robbie Straight, Crystal, MN, and Judy Straight, Minot; son-in-law, Dave Giessinger, Minot; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Vernon J. Straight and Howard Straight. Funeral: Monday, July 28, 2003 at 1:00 pm at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot, ND. Visitation: Saturday and Sunday from noon until 5:00 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot. Vigil Prayer Service: Sunday, July 27, 2003, at 5:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park Minot. Music: Little Flower Music Ministers Honorary Bearers: Raymond's family and friends Active Bearers: Duane Straight , Dave Giessinger, James Straight, Mark Straight, Dan Giessinger Tom Widdel |