Raymond L. Onstad

Raymond L. Onstad, age 89 of Park River, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society of Park River.
Raymond Onstad was born on October 12, 1933, in Walhalla, N.D., to the late Louis and Ethel (McMurray) Onstad.  He was raised on the family farm, just outside of Park River. He graduated from the Walsh County Agriculture School with the class of 1951. After graduation, Raymond farmed with his father and with local farmers.  In November 1956, he was called to service in the United States Army, serving two years.  After his discharge, he returned home to Park River.  In 1960, Raymond took over the family farm. 
Raymond was united in marriage to Darlene Gutterud on September 2, 1967, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Edinburg, N.D.  They made their home on the farm until moving into Park River in 1977.  In the early 1970s, Raymond and his brothers, Donald and Marvin, formed the Onstad Brothers farm operation.  He also worked as a clerk for the United States Postal Service in Park River. After 26 years of service, he retired.  Raymond and his brother, Marvin, continued to tend their crops and livestock for many years.  Raymond retired from farming after the 2011 crop production year at age 77.
Raymond was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Park River.  He was an avid stamp and coin collector and a dedicated Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. He also regularly visited the local Cenex and Welch’s Bakery for coffee time. 
Raymond will be missed dearly by his wife of 55 years, Darlene, Park River, N.D.; children: Steven (Linda) Onstad, Grand Forks, N.D., and Lori (Jeff) Dittmer, Mankato, Minn.; grandchildren: Eric Onstad,  Heather Onstad, Ian Dittmer, and Emily Dittmer; sisters-in-law: Bernice Onstad,  Lynnwood, Wash., and Mavis Onstad, Bemidji, Minn., as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Donald Onstad and Marvin Onstad; mother and father-in-law, Norris and Norma Gutterud; and brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Barb Gutterud.  Raymond was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 8, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Park River.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Military rites will be provided by the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.  Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery of Park River.
The family requests memorials be gifted to either the First Care Health Center or the Good Samaritan Society. 

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