Raymond Froehlich

Funeral Mass for Raymond R. Froehlich, age 68, of Dickinson, is Monday, October 6, 2003; 10:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father James Braaten officiating. Interment will follow in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan. Dickinson Veterans Drill Team will provide military rites.


Visitation is Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Stevenson-Mischel-Olson Chapel followed by a 7:00 p.m. rosary led by the Eagles Aerie#2328 honor guard and a Vigil Service led by Deacon Gene Morman.


Raymond R. Froehlich, age 68, of Dickinson, passed away Friday, October 3, 2003, at the St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck following a brief illness.


He was born May 13, 1935 in Stark Co. the son of Jack and Justine (Semerad) Froehlich. Ray grew up and attended various schools in the area before graduating from Model High in 1953. He enlisted in the service with the US Army in 1955 in Dickinson. Ray served two years before being honorably discharged in 1957 at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He returned home to marry the love of his life, Marian Volesky. They were united in marriage on October 7, 1957 at New Hradec. To this union were born six children: Del Rae, Russ, Jackie, Sheela, Robbie, and LeAnn. After spending time with both Farmer’s Union and Hauck’s Mill Work, Ray spent the next 24 years working with Prudential Insurance. In 1990, he retired from the insurance business and devoted his time doing the things he loved the most in life: spending time with his family and friends and woodworking.


A devoted member of the Eagles, he served three terms as secretary, was both local and state President and was awarded Secretary of the Year. In 1999, his greatest honor came with his induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame. The Eagles were an integral part of his life and he enjoyed them thoroughly. Ray was an avid supporter of Home of the Range and a member of St. Wenceslaus Church.


He loved the outdoors and always found time to go fishing or have coffee with his buddies downtown. Ray loved to work with wood and over the years he provided his friends and family with everything from hand-crafted furniture to remodeled interiors. Though he began to lose his eyesight, he continued to build, and many close to him were amazed at his ability to still create beautiful works. Those who knew Ray may always remember his passion for life, sense of humor and jolly spirit. When you weren’t looking, he might even play a practical joke. He seemed to easily make a friend wherever he went, which was a testimony to the type of person he was. Dearest to his heart were his sixteen grandchildren whom he cherished deeply. Many wonderful times were spent creating memories that will live on forever in our hearts. We will miss you Grandpa!


Survivors include, his wife, Marian, Dickinson, two sons, Russ (Michele) Froehlich, Bismarck, Robbie (Susan) Froehlich of Indianopolis, IN; four daughters, DelRae (Tim) Privratsky, Dickinson, Jackie (Troy) Roth, Gordon, NE, Sheela (Steve) Eckroth and LeAnn (Marv) Havelka both of Bismarck; three brothers, Victor (Hattie) Froehlich, Dickinson, Herman Froehlich, Couer d’ Lane, ID Lee (Jeanette) Froehlich, Anaheim, CA; a sister Lorraine (Laudie) Sykora, Dickinson and 16 grandchildrenHe was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Clarence and a grandchild.


Memorials may be sent to Home on the Range at HC 1, Box 41, Sentinel Butte, ND 58654


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: October 6, 2003
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 6, 2003, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson, ND