Raymond Lerud

Raymond H. Lerud, 87, Grand Forks, North Dakota, died Monday, August 1, 2011 at home. Raymond Harlan Lerud was born to Henry and Agnes (Zak) Lerud on March 16, 1924 at Hillsboro, North Dakota. He was baptized on May 18, 1924 at Hillsboro. He graduated from high school on June 4, 1942 at Hoople, North Dakota. Raymond served in the US Army from 1945 to 1947 during World War II. Raymond Lerud and Betty June Miller were united in marriage on September 16, 1951 at Grafton, North Dakota. They lived in Grafton where Raymond was employed by Bridgeman Creamery, Pepsi, and Gambles. In October of 1964 they moved to Grand Forks, where Raymond was a car salesman for Forx Motors, Rydell Chevrolet, and later by Wilcox and Malm until he retired. After he retired he drove the courtesy car for Wilcox and Malm. Raymond enjoyed cars, fixing anything that was broken, spending time with his family, and his coffee groups at Home of Economy and McDonalds. He made it a point to thank God for the gift of each new day. Raymond is survived by his wife, Betty June, Grand Forks; children, Thomas (Cathy) Lerud, Grand Forks, Michael (Joanna) Lerud, Woodbury, Minnesota, and Patricia (David) Soldner, Marion, Iowa; 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Ella) Lerud, The Dalles, Oregon; sister, Mary Ann (Jim ) Nichols, Warren, Minnesota. He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, and a grandson, Timothy. Funeral Services: will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2011 in Faith Evangelical Free Church, 1400 24th Ave South. Grand Forks. Visitation: one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment: 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 5, 2011 in Grafton Lutheran Cemetery, Grafton, North Dakota. Military Honors: North Dakota Army National Guard Funeral Honors