Raymond "Ray" Ridl

A Funeral Mass for Raymond “Ray” Ridl, 79, of Dickinson will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 19, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson with Father Brandon Wolf celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Visitation for Ray will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a Rosary and Vigil being held at 6:15 p.m.

Ray passed away Sunday, January 14, 2024 surrounded by his family at his home in Dickinson.

Raymond J Ridl was born on April 5, 1944 to Albert C. and Betty (Saetz) Ridl of Dickinson, ND.

Ray married the love of his life Luella Schmitt on June 27, 1968 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. They were blessed with three children, Ray, Alan and Marilyn and raised their family in Dickinson.

In 1975, Ray began his career as a heavy equipment operator with Earth Builders. In 1979, he transitioned to Meyer Construction, which later became Northern Improvement. He worked there for over thirty years and retired in 2010. Beginning in 2011, Ray worked for Fisher Sand and Gravel part-time for five years to help ease some of his boredom.

Ray will be remembered for his very strong catholic faith. He prayed a daily rosary and he and Luella enjoyed celebrating daily mass together. Ray had a special love for his family, especially his grandkids. Ray was a member of the St. Anthony Club, Eagle’s Club, and International Operator Union 49. In his free time, Ray enjoyed wood working, making sausage with his family and gardening in the backyard.

Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years, Luella; children, Ray (Melissa Schmalenberger) Ridl of Seattle, Washington, Alan (Heather) Ridl of Dickinson, Marilyn (Curt) Heinert of Dickinson; 9 grandchildren, Tyler, Jackson and Carter Ridl, Brae (Levi) Keck, Chloe (Nic) Bohle and Alivia Ridl, and Rachel, Jacob and Joshua Heinert; four great grandchildren, Riggs, Kolter, Maisie and Barrett Keck; sisters, Ann (Jim) Gorman of Aurora, CO, Betty (Deacon Jerry) Volk of Bismarck, Rita Gardner of Lincoln, NE; brothers, Albert C. (Carolyn) Ridl Jr. of Aurora, CO, Erv Ridl of Dickinson, Pat Ridl (Rita Weiss) of Dickinson and Tim (Glenora) Ridl of Dickinson; sister-in-law, Leota Ridl of Loveland, CO; brother-in-law, Arnold (Janet) Schmitt of Mott; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Betty Ridl; grandparents; brothers, Francis, Evan, Cary; sister, Jacqueline; and brother-in-law, William D. Gardner.