Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Charles “Ray” Kaiser
Charles “Ray” Raymond Kaiser, 77, Carrington, ND, formerly Blaine, MN, died January 25, 2021 at Golden Acres Manor, Carrington, ND. Ray was born at home on October 30, 1943 in Clay County, Kansas to Elmo and Grace (Phelps) Kaiser. He lived on the family farm near Miltonvale, Kansas until 1951 when at age seven he moved to North Dakota when his parents purchased Kaiser Ranch west of Ellendale. Ray graduated from Ellendale High School in 1961 and attended college at NDSU where he was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity.
Ray left college after two years when his father became ill and was unable to work for several months. Working with his parents and brothers, Kaiser Ranch expanded, a feedlot was added, and the farming operation increased. Ray was an idea person and enjoyed the latest in technology and conveniences. He demonstrated talent in design and decorating at an early age, constructing model homes and Christmas scenes with plastic building bricks. Ray’s talents were instrumental in developing the plans for the family home built at Kaiser Ranch in 1967. He loved taking on home remodeling projects wherever he lived and as his brothers married he shared his design ideas and had input on their home improvements.
After Ray discovered farming and ranching weren’t his calling, he launched his career in sales in the late 1970’s. He lived in several mid-western cities selling farm equipment until making the Twin Cities his permanent home. He found his dream job as an independent sales representative for MeraVic Corporation selling floral and home decor products and sharing design ideas with his customers. He traveled extensively and received recognition for his sales accomplishments. Ray made many friends at floral and gift stores across the Midwest and logged thousands of miles in his mobile showroom with his dog by his side. His last design project was at Golden Acres Manor where he built a Christmas village for the enjoyment of residents and visitors using the same plastic bricks used in his youth.
Ray had strong opinions, a booming voice, and a laugh we will never forget. He loved life and lived with enthusiasm! He was a kind and generous man and would make sure he found the perfect gift for his parents, brothers, and friends. As the Kaiser family grew he was the greatest Santa nephews and nieces could have. He always knew what the latest Christmas gifts were and where to find them. He genuinely was interested in and cared about the people in his life and, up until his last week, he visited daily with family and friends on the telephone. Anyone who knew Ray experienced his talent as a host, party planner, and excellent cook. He made everyone feel welcome and included. He opened his home to family and friends and created many lasting memories by arranging tickets for musical productions, introducing new and unique restaurants, and enjoying other adventures in the city.
Ray was loved by all who knew him and will be deeply missed. He is survived by four brothers, Bob (Karen) Kaiser, Ellendale, ND, Frank (Margaret) Kaiser, Monango, ND, John (LouAnn) Kaiser, Monango, ND, and Jim (Kathy) Kaiser, Washburn, ND; aunts and uncles Joyce Swallow, Manhattan, KS, Wayne (Melvajean) Phelps, Hutchinson, KS, and Jim Phelps, Wakefield, KS; 11 nieces and nephews, Jeff (Nicole) Kaiser, Alison (Kyle) Wendt, Steve (Bobbi) Kaiser, Tom (Becky) Kaiser, Anne (Randy) Hahne, Sarah Kaiser (Laurie McWalter), Michael (Kristen) Kaiser, Ellen (Micah) Doebler, Charles (Brittney) Kaiser, Joseph (Katelyn) Kaiser, and Andrew Kaiser; 22 great nieces and nephews; several cousins; special friend Jeremy Johnson; and countless other close friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Grace and Elmo Kaiser and one niece, Alicia Kaiser, who shared the same birthday.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff and administration at Golden Acres Manor for the friendships and excellent care for Ray.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Golden Acres Manor or a charity of choice.
Visitation: will be held from 9:30AM-10:30AM on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Presbyterian United Methodist Church in Ellendale, ND.
Funeral Service: will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 10:30AM at the Presbyterian United Methodist Church in Ellendale, ND.
Interment: will be held at the Ellendale City Cemetery, Ellendale, ND.
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I will greatly miss the times of fellowship with Ray. I enjoyed them immensely.
I’m so sorry to read about Ray. I was thinking of him today. He did have a great laugh, love for people and a friend to many. I was able to greet him the last time I was at GAM, before Covid. So sad not to be able to see him again.
This is a wonderful tribute to Ray…his talents, love and joy he shared. Sorry for your loss…prayers and thoughts are with your family
Ray always had a kind word and encouragement for everyone around him. I will miss him.
God bless you Ray; you fought the good fight and made the world a better place for others.
Thinking about all of you and while reading the obituary knowing that you have wonderful memories is rest assured he will forever in your hearts. RIP Ray you will be missed
First, my sympathy and love to all of you. Even though I was young, I have very specific memories that have stayed with me all these years. When he was around, there was always laughter and jokes and stories. I can remember Ray, Jackie, Maureen, John R. Melvin M having some of the best of times. Ray was always the last to arrive at any function and now the last to arrive in heaven to be with this group of friends. I cannot help but smile with tears in my eyes as I picture that reunion.Ray is truly worthy of the loving tribute.
Ray and his brothers were out neighbors and used to ride the bus with him. As a child, I remember him he had a gift to gab about anything in life, he definitely engaged with people and family within ears distance. Sorry to hear of the loss, heaven has a place for Ray.
So sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. What a wonderful man. I had the privilege of knowing him through his family and as a customer. His creativity sold his product. I couldn’t resist his sales pitch.😊 His laugh, his interest in you and his fun loving nature made Ray a very successful salesman and genuine friend. Rest in peace Ray.
My condolences to the family and friends. Ray was our youth leader in our Methodist Church in Forbes. He was always so much fun. I especially remember our roller Skating parties in Aberdeen.
Sorry to read of Ray’s death. I just remember sitting across from him my senior of high school in Ellendale. We always did a lot of whispering and laughing and pretty soon either Mr. Hill or Mr. Kitchen would be glaring at us. Ray always could have this very innocent look on his face and I got blamed for making the noise. I think I only connected with him once after HS. There are so many memories above for his family to hang on to which helps I’m sure. Sounds like a very talented guy !!! Very nice tribute to him above.
So Thankful to have had a final visit with Ray in Sept. 2019, just wish we could have made it again in 2020. He was always willing to lend a hand or ear to anyone, especially friend or neighbor. We’ll always remember the good times together when Ray was living in the Merricourt area. Yes, he had a heart of gold and always a word of encouragement for everyone. God Bless His Memory. Prayers for you “His Family” Ken and Rachel Kellogg
Ray’s smile and laughter were contagious. He made everyone feel as if they were a friend – what a wonderful gift! Greg had the best Ray stories from his days at the ranch. Our love and prayers for all the Kaisers. Rest in Peace, Ray!
My condolences to Ray’s family and friends. Rest in Pease Ray.
Ray and I grew up in the same farming community and went to grade school and high school together it was an honor to know him. He was the kindest and excepting, generous person I have known in my lifetime. Condolences to the family.
I first met Ray when he was living at Schmidt’s while going to high school. He was allegedly watching the kids.
I’m not sure if he kept Bertie and me in line or participated in the high jinx. We had a couple of memorable trips to the Cities in later years. He will be missed by many.
I remember Ray from years ago when he lived in the Ellendale area. We appreciated his energy, creative ideas, and contributions to the community. I’m glad you have such happy memories of him. We send you caring thoughts and sincere sympathy. Eileen & Jim
My thoughts a prayers for the family of Ray. He was gracious and always kind and giving. May he rest in peace.
From the moment I met Ray years ago I fell in love with him. We may not have visited often but I have thought about him many, many times and am so thankful he had touched my life. When my husband and I had our twins I remember him telling us, “Please bring the babies”to his New Years party even though they were 18 months old and very mobile. He just loved them up and everyone else who came into his aura! God brought home a wonderful servant who will be most definitely missed by all he touched! Jeremy and family God Bless you all and keep tight the memories of this great man!
Our sympathy to the entire Kaiser Family! My Mom and Dad, Harry and Bernice Schulz, always had high regards for the family. May he Rest In Peace and your memories of Ray bring you comfort!
To the Kaiser family. Our Deepest Sympathy to you all.. May all your family memories help ease your sorrow.
Always liked seeing the Kaiser family at the Merricourt Cafe.
Ray and I always had our heart to heart talks and he was a nice wonderful man! I enjoyed our talks when I worked there!
Our thoughts go to the Kaiser family at this time.
Ray was a wonderful man with a heart of gold.
His kind and gentle ways will be forever remembered.
Dean and Sandy Swanson
I remember going to the “Kaiser’s” as an annual special event. My dad and his parents grew up in the Miltonvale, KS area and wound up in ND, maybe 50 miles? apart. (Small world)
Ray was one to bring us “out of our shell” and get us involved in games. (We were shy, not getting together too often). He was very inclusive and made sure we had a good time. I was able to finally reconnect with him on the phone a few years ago and we caught up on life events in both our family’s. He will be missed. My condolences to the family. It isn’t easy to lose a loved one.
What a wonderful tribute to a man who touched so many lives. Although I didn’t know Ray personally, I saw the love that he had for his family and especially his nieces and nephews. May God bless his memory in our hearts and minds now and always. Claudette Ness
I remember stopping by Ray’s in Merricourt and the farm with my parents when I was a little girl. Then when I was a little older I remember we’d track him down at the state fair in Huron to catch up. I haven’t seen Ray in years but have fond memories of him that always bring a smile. What a fitting tribute for Ray as you celebrate all that he was in this life. Rest in Peace Ray.
It was always great to see Ray at our reunions. He definitely will be missed at our next one. Eternal rest, grant to Ray, O Jesus, and let perpetual light shine on him. May all of the souls of the class of 1961,through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace.
Never met Ray, however just found out he was a fellow FarnHouse brother. Prayers of comfort and blessings for his family.
Deepest sympathy to the Kaiser family. I knew Ray from the nursing home.. he will be missed by many.
Ray was a very special person with many talents and a generous friend and giver to everybody he knew. Ray had a unique talent for adding joy and meaning to the lives of others. I have many fond memories of Ray. My condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. Uncle Wayne and family
Ray was our MeraVic rep at our gift shop in Perham MN. For many years he and Lily (I hope I remember his little dog’s name correctly!) would come to our shop with his motor home full of florals. We enjoyed our visits with him immensely and have always remembered his warm and caring voice and floral wisdom. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all as you celebrate the life of this great man.
Kari Roberts and Lynn Johnson
Place in the Country
Perham Mn
Ray was such a nice guy and wonderful sales rep for Meravic..he truly cared that his clients purchased top quality products that they could sell and succeed… many hours in that beautiful display mobile… I am the last of the people who worked at Three Keys floral in Fargo when Ray was our rep…. may he rest in peace after a life well lived
Ray was one of the most kind and generous people I have had the gift of knowing. His presence and helpfulness was a true blessing to so many. My deepest condolences to his family on your loss.