Raymond Motschenbacher

Raymond Keith Motschenbacher, of Page, ND, born on April 7, 1943, blessed us by living for 72 years, 2 months and 18 days.

Ray was raised on a farm in rural Sabin, MN, was the 2nd son of Paul "Butch" Motschenbacher, Sr. and Florence (Leinum) Motschenbacher. He attended school in a one room school house but graduated from Moorhead High in 1961. Shortly after graduation, Ray entered the Air Force, working as a Dental Assistant and driving the military ambulance in Germany.

Returning from his 4 year stint with the Air Force, Ray began his truck driving career hauling grain out of Detroit Lakes to Canada. Sometime later, he purchased his own truck and worked independently. Some years later he began driving for Berg Trucking out of Fargo, ND.

In 1980, Ray married Connie Holmen of Horace, ND, where they made their home, later moving to Moorhead, MN. In 1982 they had a son, Scott Edwin. In 1990 they had a daughter, Annie Joy Florence.

Ray helped form a trucking company called Sioux Line Trucking. A few years later after leaving Little Sioux, he and his brother in law and friend (Sheldon Dahl), formed R & S Transport Limited. Ray remained an independent owner/operator until 2003 when he moved to Page, ND. In 2004, Ray acquired a physical disability and retired from full time trucking.

Ray continued in life with his hobbies of hunting & fishing and loving his children until he went home.

On June 20, 2015, Ray entered Essentia Hospital, Fargo, with complications from radiation therapy. While in the hospital receiving help, he unexpectedly passed on to his heavenly home early Thursday morning, June 25, 2015

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Claudia Heng; and a niece, Carla Motschenbacher-Bergee. We are certain their reunion has been joyful!

Ray is survived by his two children, Scott Motschenbacher of Fargo, ND, and Annie Motschenbacher of Fargo, ND; two brothers, Paul "Buster" (Joyce) Motschenbacher, Jr., of Perham, MN, and Nick Motschenbacher of Fairbanks, AK; and two sisters, Annie Mary Motschenbacher of Moorhead, MN, and Barbie (Sheldon) Dahl of Sabin, MN.

Ray loved playing the role of "the ever teasing uncle" to many beautiful nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. Ray was considered blessed in many ways,… mostly with family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

His Celebration Service will be Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at 11 AM, in Faith Hope Love Church, Moorhead.

Burial will be at a later date.