Raymond O. Sheldon, 92, of Washburn, ND died July 13, 2017 at the St. Vincent's Care Center in Bismarck.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, July 20, 2017 at First Lutheran Church in Washburn with Pastor Erik Johnson officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to time of service on Thursday at the church.

Raymond was born November 12, 1924 in Washburn, ND, the second of three children to Roy W. & Emma (Osland) Sheldon. He attended rural school and graduated salutatorian from the Washburn High School class of 1942. Ray began farming with his father after completing high school. On November 16, 1947 he married Edith Burgum and they resided north of Washburn until 1964 when they moved into Washburn. Ray was an active member of First Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. He helped build a new church in 1959, served on the church council, and was Sunday school superintendent for many years. He was a member of the McLean County Farm Bureau where he served as secretary for twenty years. During his service to Farm Bureau he became a part-time insurance agent for Nodak Mutual Insurance Company. He later became an agent for Dawson Hail Insurance Company and served in that capacity for many years. Ray also served on the Washburn School Board and the Falkirk Elevator Board.

Ray loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed his life as a farmer, taking care of the land was of great importance to him. In his retirement years, Ray took great joy in delivering pumpkins and sweet corn to all his neighbors and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-nine years, Edith; two sons, Brad (Cathy) and Tom (Kim), both of Washburn; two daughters, Kris (Rick) Link and Karyn Sheldon, both of Bismarck; one sister, Dorothy Schulz of Bismarck; his grandchildren, Jocelyn (Morris) Duffy, Jon (Leslie) Sheldon, Joe (Kellie) Sheldon, Justin (Tammy) Sheldon, Callie (Todd) Sinner, Tyge (Ali) Sheldon, Samantha (Adam) Nies, Macy Geck; and seventeen great grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by two infant sons, his parents, & one brother (Donald).

Memorials may be given in Ray's memory to First Lutheran Church Roof Fund of a charity of your choice.

A very special thank you to Michelle Leidholm and the staff of the Washburn Clinic, and the staff and nurses of St. Vincent's Care Center. Your loving care is greatly appreciated.