Ray Slivicki

Raphel "Ray" Slivicki Raphel "Ray" Slivicki, age 77, of Grand Forks passed away Saturday August 1, 2009 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND surrounded by his loving family after a brief battle with cancer. Raphel "Ray" Slivicki was born on November 1, 1931 in Washville Township, ND the son of Frank and Sally (Duray) Slivicki. He grew up and attended country school in Washville township and also in Minto, ND. Ray enlisted in the US Navy in 1949 and served in the Korean War until 1953. Upon his discharge, Ray married Ramona Legg on April 14th, 1956 at St. John's Catholic Church in Ardoch, ND. Ray worked for the American Legion in Grafton for many years. After renting a bar for a year, he purchased his own, Ray's Bar and Lounge in Minto, ND where he and his wife worked together until 1981. In 1976, Ray started one of the first companies in North Dakota to sell pulltabs and charitable gaming equipment. He retired from the gaming industry in 1995. Ray was an active 50-year member of the Minto American Legion Post 201 where he instituted many fundraising activities. Throughout his lifetime he was a member of the Eagles, Elks, and Moose Clubs, the PNA, as well as a member of the VFW and Disabled American Veterans. Ray's favorite hobbies included playing poker, blackjack, and any other games he could enjoy with his friends. However, Ray's greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Ramona, his son Robert Slivicki, East Grand Forks, MN, granddaughter Rachel, Chicago, Il, grandson Ryan, East Grand Forks, MN, brother Norman Slivicki, Moorhead, MN, sister Evelyn (Herman) Schanilec, Mesa, AZ, and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Mary, brothers Ernest and David, sister Theresa Kapsner, and his parents.