RONALD RAY PAPACHEK

Ronald R. “Ron” Papachek, 73 of Cando, ND passed away Monday morning, September 3, 2012 at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. Funeral Services for Ron will be held at the Warwick Lutheran Church, Warwick, ND on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bonnie Weaver, Pastor of Cando Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in the Warwick Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Ronald Ray was born on November 27, 1938 at Warwick, ND the son of Raymond and Evelyn (Stubson) Papachek. He attended the first eight grades at the Free Peoples Country Grade School, rural Warwick and graduated as Valedictorian of the class of 1956 from Warwick High School. He then attended Interstate Business College in Fargo for one year. While living in Fargo, he worked for Western Auto. In September of 1957, Ron moved to New Rockford and was employed at the Independent Lumber Yard for eleven years. While living in New Rockford, he was active in the Civic Association, Celebrations Inc. Board, served as a bowling and softball director, volunteer member of the New Rockford Fire Department for six years and several of those years served as their secretary/treasurer, and was also a member of the First Lutheran Church in New Rockford. In June of 1968, Ron and the family moved to Cando where Ron was a partner in the Cando Lumber Company until he retired. Ron was again very active in the community and many civic organizations. He was a member of the Cando Lutheran Church, where he served as a Trustee and also Treasurer and again a volunteer member and Past Fire Chief of the Cando Fire Department from 1970 to 2010. He was a charter member of the Cando Ambulance Squad from 1972 until 1988. He believed in his community and worked very hard to promote his town. Ron was a Promoters Director and President, Commercial Club Director, Kiwanis Member, Cando Booster Club Member, Cando Baseball Booster Director, Steering Committee Member of the Cando Centennial, Golf Club Director and Bowling Association Director. Ron also served on the Cando City Council for twelve years. He was a life member of the North Dakota Fireman’s Association, Elks Lodge and Eagles Lodge. Ron filled his life with family, work and service to others. When he had time for hobbies he enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing and dancing. Ron enjoyed life and being with people. Ron leaves his four children: Roxane Papachek of Phoenix, AZ, Randy Papachek of Fargo, ND, Rocky (Sharon) Papachek of Wausau, WI, and Rusty (Neva) Papachek of Fargo; his two grandchildren, Coy and Kinsey; and Pat Papachek, the mother of their four children. Casket Bearers for Ron will be Joe Eisenzimmer, Roger Narveson, Dennis Miller, Dan Lipp, Gary Allen and Wade Hendrickson. Friends may sign the online register book and share memories of Ron at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com