Raymond J. Karras, 89, Dickinson, died Thursday, October 31, 2019 surrounded by family at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Raymond’s Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Msgr. Thomas Richter as the celebrant. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Interment will take place at St. Josephat’s Cemetery, Gorham. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Leonard Krebs presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Raymond J. Karras was born February 14, 1930 in River Falls, Wisc., the son of William and Mary (Knott) Karras. He was raised and educated in River Falls where he graduated high school. He worked three years for the Ford Motor Company in Minnesota. He served honorably in the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard from September 9, 1947 to his retirement on April 28, 1986 as Chief Msgt. He was united in marriage to Ian Madsen on June 25, 1949. His wife Ian died on Jan. 30, 1980.
He was united in marriage to Victoria (Logosz) Kanski on April 13, 1982 in Las Vegas, Nevada and this marriage was blessed at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield. They moved to Fairfield and purchased Club 85 and operated it for the next 26 years at which time they moved to Dickinson in 2011.
He was involved in several civic and church organizations and activities. Ray was a jack-of–all-trades, there was nothing he couldn’t fix. Many hours were spent in his garage, tinkering away. He always maintained a well-manicured yard. The cats, birds, and deer were well cared for. A good game of pinochle, a homemade meal and dessert, and polka music, and conversation with family, friends and locals were some of Ray’s enjoyments.
Raymond is survived by his wife Victoria, Dickinson; children, Linda (Mike) Breem, Las Vegas, David (Wendy) Karras, St. Paul, Minn., Jolene (Richard) McDonald, Makinen, Minn., Gina Karras, St. Paul, Nona Karras, St. Paul, Charmaine Kanski, Cottage Grove, Minn., Colleen (Arnold) Rodakowski, Dickinson, Charles (Kim) Kanski, St. Paul, and Christopher (Becky) Kanski, Dickinson; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Leo (Marlys) Karras, River Falls; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Karras, River Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Robert (Ruth) Karras; and one grandchild, Jared Stene.
