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Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home
Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You
Ray Miles Powell
January 29, 1949 - October 7, 2020

Residence: Alexander, North Dakota

Ray Powell, 71 of Alexander, ND passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Ray Miles Powell was born January 29, 1949 in Williston ND to Lloyd and Doris (Miller) Powell. He graduated from Alexander Public School in 1967 and then attended various colleges in North Dakota, one of which was NDSU. After a brief stint in Colorado working with dynamite, Ray then returned to Alexander to work on the family farm.

On August 4th, 1972 he was united in marriage to Fonda Jo Slagle. From this union they had 3 children and 10 grandchildren. He was very active in the Alexander Fire Department as the district president for more than 20 years. He was also active in the Lions Club, bowling league, softball, basketball, golf, tennis, racquetball, football, pickle-ball, pinochle, black-jack, hunting, fishing, camping, going to auction sales, and (believe it or not) served as a hunter’s safety instructor and basketball referee. He also loved following his children and grandchildren’s events and watching anything having to do with BISON FOOTBALL!

Along with his many athletic talents, Grandpa Ray is also famous for keeping his candy drawer well stocked, cookies readily available, ice cream as a regular night time snack, and was known as a fabulous malt maker. He enjoyed eating “Killer” hotdish as a snack in the middle of the night and always shared his secret stashes of candy with anyone.

Ray was always proud of the family farm. He was able to continue farming with the 5th and 6th generations, his son Lance and his children, who he loved being in the field with. Although he was technologically challenged, GPS on combines was a common topic of conversation. Much to the dismay of Lance, Ray was a firm believer that you can cover more ground if the line isn’t straight, packer tires are just as good as a rock-picker, there’s moisture under the rocks, and duct tape and baling twine can fix a fence.

Along with farming, Ray dabbled in being an entrepreneur. He partnered with Walter Link and together they established Best West Crop Insurance, a branch of Ihry Insurance Agency. He also established McKenzie Agri –Steel and 7P Feeds. His love for sports kept him busy on many successful teams, some of which included “OK Implement” softball, “Bitchin’ Bob’s Bar” basketball team, “Weber Construction” softball, and “7P Feeds” softball and basketball. He was fortunate to have shared his love for these sports with many lifelong friends.

One of Ray’s favorite pastimes was playing 10 ½ and having a pop at the Café in Alexander with his friends, the loser having to foot the bill. Ray made everything a competition. Whether it be playing cards, shaking dice, or golfing, there was always a winner and money or a round was always involved!

Ray is survived by his wife, Fonda; children, Penny (Nate) Soiseth, Bobbie (Jesse) Olson, and Lance (Misty) Powell; his grandchildren, Addison, Rylann, and Shay Olson, Presley, Lainey, and Case Powell, and Zane and Porter Soiseth; his brother, Dennis (Gail) Powell; sisters, Susan Link and Barb (James) Jacobson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Doris Powell; brother-in-law, Walter Link, and grandchildren, Carson Powell and baby Olson.


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Kristen Rehak (Williston , ND)
Oct 8, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with this night, as I just saw this post. It makes my heart so sad .....Ray was such a fun guy to visit with....We had many great conversations through the years....Keeping you all surrounded in prayers as you cherish each memory....and many hugs too!
Dale Patten (Watford City, ND)
Oct 8, 2020
I always enjoyed my visits with Ray about what was going on in McKenzie County. He was a life long advocate of Alexander and it made a difference in the community
Wayne Whitty (Minot, ND)
Oct 9, 2020
My brother, Kevin, and I were lucky enough to be friends with Ray and his family. His passing is a loss to many. To Kevin and I it a a loss of a true friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Fonda and the family.
Jennifer Kendall-Halverson (Williston , North Dakota)
Oct 9, 2020
Merle and I send our deepest sympathies and prayers. I know how very important he was to the boys. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call.
Jeff & Ann Johnsrud
Oct 9, 2020
Fonda and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed Ray and Jeff has many great memories of the OK Implement softball years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kurt and Barb Fixen (Alexander, ND)
Oct 9, 2020
Fonda, Penny, Bobbie, Lance and families. We are so sorry to hear of Rays passing. He was such a fun spirited guy. Just remember all the wonderful times you have shared those memories will always be there. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Kimberly Jacobson (Sioux Falls , SD)
Oct 9, 2020
May God wrap his healing arms around all who loved Ray. He was a character and will be missed by many.
Bonnie (Fjelstad) Wells (Elkhart , Iowa)
Oct 9, 2020
What a wonderful obituary! I didn’t keep up with him after high school but I could tell by the list of his activities, he was the same Ray I knew:
Ray stopped In at our 50 year class reunion just to say hi and it was so great to see him.
I am so sad for your loss. I’m guessing Ray’s wonderful personality and zest for life will live on in his children and grand children.
Dale Patten (Watford City, ND)
Oct 9, 2020
I always enjoyed my visits with Ray about what was going on in McKenzie County. He was a life long advocate of Alexander and it made a difference in the community
Peter & Terri Eikren (Henning, Minnesota)
Oct 9, 2020
We were so sorry and shocked to hear of Ray's passing. We always looked forward to seeing Ray when we returned to Alex. It brings back memories of the many basketball teams that were built playing ball at Powel's garage.
Kevin and Jackie Sullivan
Oct 9, 2020
So sorry to hear about this! Had a lot of fun playing softball with Ray and was fun to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Jeanne Knudsvig
Oct 10, 2020
So sorry for loss of Ray keep his memories close to your hearts to help you through the days ahead. Sending prayers for all of you.
Sincere sympathy
Jeanne
Darcy & Steve Fredrickson (Minot, ND)
Oct 10, 2020
Fonda, our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Maeve & Bill MacSteves (Williston, North Dakota)
Oct 10, 2020
I wish we had known Ray - what a wonderful man - I bet he was the best dad and grandpa, too! Our deepest sympathies to all of you - you’re in our thoughts.
Maeve & Bill MacSteves (Williston, North Dakota)
Oct 11, 2020
I wish we had known Ray - what a wonderful man - I bet he was the best dad and grandpa, too! Our deepest sympathies to all of you - you’re in our thoughts.
Suzanne & Dwight Eiken (Williston, ND)
Oct 11, 2020
Fonda & family, we’re so sorry to learn of Ray’s passing. He had a zest for life with his many adventures. May you find comfort in each other and your memories of Ray. You are in our prayers.
Deb Heen (Box Elder , SD )
Oct 11, 2020
Fonda, I am very sad to learn about Ray. Your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have a wonderful extended family and friends to lean on, thanks be to God. Ray was such an integral part of the community, his passing leaves a very empty space. May the good Lord bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Staci Stafford (Shelhamer) (Wilsall, Mt)
Oct 11, 2020
My sincerest sympathy for your loss. May you find peace and strength in all of your loving memories.
Paulette Iverson. 42454 (Billings, MT)
Oct 11, 2020
I’m so sorry to learn of Ray’s passing. Your family and friends will miss him so much but memories will sustain you all may God give you peace and strength in the days ahead. Hugs and prayers for you all. 42454
Staci Stafford (Shelhamer) (Wilsall, Mt)
Oct 11, 2020
My sincerest sympathy for your loss. May you find peace and strength in all of your loving memories.
Phyllis Stokke (Williston, ND)
Oct 11, 2020
Ray and I were both in physical therapy at the same time while we were recuperating from knee surgery.
We had many good conversations and he always had a fun story to tell. . Jim and I were at several Lions events also. Our sympathy to Fonda and family during this difficult time.. 37516
Staci Stafford (Shelhamer) (Wilsall, Mt)
Oct 11, 2020
My sincerest sympathy for your loss. May you find peace and strength in all of your loving memories.
Wes and BJ Lindvig (ALEXANDER, string:ND)
Oct 11, 2020
Ray will be missed by so many of us. Prayers to all the family.
Ranee & David Kringen (Williston , ND)
Oct 11, 2020
Fonda and family,
Thinking of all of you during this very sad time.
C'Dale (Jenner McBride) Jore (Wiliston , ND )
Oct 11, 2020
Ray and I go way back to 4-H Livestock Judging days. Williams Co & McKenzie Co teams met often to practice competing before the big state competition. May Jesus hold you close and give you lasting memories! With our sympathy, C'Dale (& for Phil, too)
Bruce (Aurora, CO)
Oct 12, 2020
My heart is heavy for all family and friends.
Nancy (Hope, ND)
Oct 12, 2020
Fonda and family, My most sincere sympathy. I will miss Ray!
Kerry Papineau Raghib (Minot, Nd)
Oct 12, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all.
Kerry Papineau Raghib (Minot, Nd)
Oct 12, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all.
Corey & Cindy Getzlaff and family (Alexander, ND)
Oct 12, 2020
We were so sorry to hear about Ray's passing. He always had a smile and something to say and will be missed in our community. Thinking of you all.
Lowell and Pat Koppang (Williston, N.dak.)
Oct 12, 2020
Fonda and family. Sincere condolences. Gods grace and peace be with you
Jean Winden Berger (Mesa, AZ)
Oct 12, 2020
Fonda and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ray will be greatly missed by his many friends and his family. May your lifetime of memories comfort you.
Royce Pedersen (Casper , Wyoming)
Oct 12, 2020
Sorry seems sad to hear he passed away God love you in this time of sorrow
Craig Helberg Family (Williston)
Nov 3, 2020
We knew Ray and Fonda through our business - nice people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Fonda, and your family. Ray will be missed.
Austin Verhasselt (Bozeman, Montana)
Aug 19, 2021
As a nephew I know I am probably not supposed to have favorites. When it comes to an uncle like Ray, he was one of my favorites. Ray was always so full of life and love whenever we shared the same space. I will miss his smile and his devotion and love towards Fonda, Lance, Bobbie, Penny, his grandchildren and all of his nieces and nephews. The Powell farm always was, and will continue to be one of my favorite hang out spots. The huge family reunion we had there many Summers back was so memorable to me since I had the opportunity to see my family members from different states.
So...here's to Uncle Ray. Hopefully the coffee up there in Heaven is always hot and you can always find someone to play Pinochle with! We miss you terribly and rest assured, we will carry on with the love, grace and work ethic you showed here on Earth.
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