Raymond Gordon Reimer

Raymond G. “Ray” Reimer, 89, of Devils Lake, ND, formerly of Hampden, died on Thursday, April 28, 2005 at Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Raymond will be held on Monday, May 2, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, Hampden, ND. Rev. Kenneth Iverson and Rev. Robert Buechler will officiate and burial will be in the Storlie Cemetery, rural Hampden. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Visitation on Monday will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Ray’s Grandchildren: Amy Wick, Matt Wick, Amber Reimer, Adam Reimer, Stephanie Reimer, Jennifer Reimer, Julie Mace and Clint Dekker. Music will be cared by Chuck Damschen, Soloist and Barb Lunde, Organist Raymond Gordon Reimer was born March 5, 1916 at Alsen, ND to Henry H. and Kathryn (Peters) Reimer. He graduated from Hampden High School in 1934 and attended the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, for two years. He returned to Hampden to take over the family business, the Reimer Service Station and the Hardware Store. Ray was united in marriage to Eunice Overbo on December 22, 1939 at Hampden. They had four children, Janet Rae, James, Keith and Ronald. Ray joined the United States Navy and served his country during World War II from 1944 to 1946, spending the majority of that time in the Philippines and the Pacific Theater. After his honorable discharge, Ray returned home to manage the Hampden Oil Company. Retiring from that position in 1972, he then began an investment and stockbroker business. Ray was dedicated to the Hampden Community, actively participating on the city board for 52 years, 23 of those years as mayor. Serving his community was a passion of Ray’s. He was proud of local improvements such as the Hampden Senior Center, maintaining the community park and other town initiatives. He was especially pleased to serve as the Grand Marshall at Hampden’s recent Centennial Celebration. Ray was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church. Ray loved to spend time with his family at the lake, as well as fishing and hunting with his sons. He even learned to water ski at age 55. For many years, Ray enjoyed wintering in Laguna Beach, California and most recently lived in Devils Lake. Ray is survived by his Sons: James (Vicki) Reimer, Bemidji, MN Keith (Stephanie) Reimer, Raleigh, NC Ronald (Beverly) Reimer, Kansas City, KS Grandchildren: Amy (Matt) Wick, Amber Reimer, Adam Reimer, Stephanie Reimer, Jennifer Reimer, Julie Mace and Clint Dekker Six Great Grandchildren: Payton, Quintin, Amanda, Emma, Sophia and Ellazabeth. Preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Janet Rae; wife, Eunice; half-brother, Donald. Memorials may be directed in Ray’s name to the University of North Dakota Foundation. Ray’s family wishes to thank the Heartland Care Center Staff for their attentive care and loving support. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to Rudy Lommen for the friendship shown Ray, and for his assistance to Ray and the family.