Raymond O. Sevigny

Raymond O. Sevigny, 98, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020 in Kittson Memorial Health Center in Hallock, MN.
Raymond was born in Oakwood Township in Walsh County, North Dakota on August 24, 1921 the son of Leon and Clara (Dumas) Sevigny, oldest of 11 children. He attended school at St. Aloysius Academy in Oakwood, ND through the 7th grade, to work on the family farm. His education did not stop him from helping his children and grandchildren with their schoolwork especially Math. He worked as a farm laborer, soldier, railroad, hauled coal, machinist, and furnace repair.
On November 13, 1947, Raymond married, the love of his life just short of 63 years, Sophie Silewski at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Warsaw, ND. They lived in Grafton, ND, Brook, MN, Vesleville, ND, and the majority of their life together in Grand Forks, ND. Having 7 children together.
Raymond entered the United States Army in the fall of 1942. He completed his basic training at Fort Snelling, MN and then was stationed Fort Sill, OK, Fort Mead, MD, and Camp Young, CA. In November 1943, he went overseas to Sydney Australia and later was stationed in Milney Bay New Guinea. Attached to the 3748th QM Truck Company, he was responsible to deliver and carry supplies, and patients to the ships to send them home after combat injuries. Ray returned to the states on January 13, 1946 to Camp Stoneman CA, Fort Louise, WA and then HOME. He was a Technician 5th grade during WWII serving from 1942 to 1945.
After the military, Ray worked for Peavey Elevator in Grafton, on a farm for Thomas Silewski for one year, Then Bill Suda and the Railroad. In 1955, he began working for Vilandre Fuel and Heating in Grand Forks. He retired in 1985 after 30 years of employment.
Ray was a member of the St Michael’s Catholic Church for many years the American Legion Post 157 for 56 years and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 for 45years. He enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing with his family, traveling around in “their bus” and later a Winnebago, woodworking, gardening with his wife, Sophie, playing cards, dice, loved to polka, playing harmonica, that was enjoyed by everyone, and board game. His most cherished moments were spending time with his family. He went to Washington, DC in October of 2019 with his eldest granddaughter with Honor Flight, Was honored At the UND Veterans day program 11-2019 as a representative of the Wold War II.
He is survived by his children, Rosalia Ann (Gerald) Ray, Forada, MN; Marlene Marie (Thomas) Dowdle Hallock MN; Patricia Mae (William) Kirkeby Thief River MN; Timothy Robert Grand Forks ND, Thomas Raymond (Dorthy), Grand Forks ND; Frank Allan and Arnold Joseph (Therez)Grand Forks ND; 32 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild on the way, 3 step-grandchildren, 3 step great- grandchildren; a sister, Edith and a brother, Wilmer, many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon(1986) and Clara(1984), his wife, Sophie (2010); sisters, Irene (2017), Alfred Adelore (1927), Alfred Edward(1955), Olivine Lucille (2018), Rene Earnest (1929), Eva Mae (2009), Helena Regina (1988), and Amelia Aurelia (1936); sons-in-law, Paul(1979), and Rylan Sevigny (2014), and many others.
Mass of Christian Burial: St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND..
Burial: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.
Military Honors:  Accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the North Dakota Army National Guard.

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