Raymond Lester Vervalen

Raymond L. Vervalen, 88 of Mentor, Minnesota died Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, North Dakota. 

Ray was born the son of Vernon and Martha Vervalen on February 7, 1936, in Osakis, Minnesota. He was raised and educated in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Ray was united in marriage to Marilyn Geatz on September 13, 1957, in Crookston, Minnesota. They made their home in East Grand Forks until moving to Mentor in 1982. Ray worked for area farmers throughout his life.

Ray enjoyed fishing, attending WE Fest for many years with his wife, Marilyn, and camping at Chippewa National Forest in Cass Lake, Minnesota. 

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marilyn Vervalen of Mentor, MN; children, Roberta Gregoire of Crookston, MN, Peggy (Paul) Corbit of Grand Forks, ND, Judy (Jeff) Vigness of Plant City, FL, Raymond Vervalen of Peoria, IL and Kelly (Tim) Rood of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Justan (Amy) Mishler of Manvel, ND, Alison (Elliot) Johnson of Manvel, ND, Tia (Marcus) Green of St. Thomas, ND, Sadie (Payton) Green of Lakeville, MN, George Green of Grand Forks, ND, Andrea (Nick) Edwards of Cottage Grove, MN, Ian (Jayden) Galstad of Crookston, MN, Racheal (Jay) Galstad of Denver, CO, Tera Corbit of Walker, MN, Brian Olson of Grand Forks, ND, Jake Vigness of Brandon, FL and Jace Vigness of Brandon, FL; seven great grandchildren; brother, Murlyn (Mary) Vervalen of East Grand Forks, MN; sister, Janice Vanvalkburg of Port Orchard, WA; numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Lady. 

He was preceded in death by parents, three brothers, six sisters, sons-in-law, Tim Gregoire and Andy Green, grandson, Tyler Edwards and great grandson, Mason Ducan.

A special thank you to Hospice of the Red Valley, Dr. Upadhyay, Dr. Dalmi, and all the nurses on Altru 3E including Justin H. Sam L., Pete, and Paige. 

A family directed Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Mentor Community Center, Mentor, Minnesota