Raymond Koch of Dickinson, 66, died Sunday, May 3, 2009 in his home with his family by his side, following a lengthy struggle with cancer. Ray’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, May 8, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Keith Streifel as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service. There will be a rosary led by a faithful group of friends and a vigil at 7 p.m., Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service.

Raymond Joseph Koch was born October 6, 1942 in Elgin, N.D. He grew up with his brother and four sisters on his parents, Isadore and Celestine (Miller) Koch, farm near Shields. He attended grade school at St. Gertrude’s School near Raleigh, and graduated from high school at McIntosh, S.D.

Ray married Loretta Schwehr in 1964 while living in Bismarck. He joined the North Dakota National Guard and completed his basic training in Fort Leonardwood, Mo. Following the birth of two sons and two daughters he moved with his family to Rugby. He became a traveling territory manager for the Hesston Corporation. Two and a half years later they moved to their current residence in Dickinson. Another daughter was welcomed into his family.

Ray continued with the Hesston Corporation for many years, traveling North Dakota, parts of South Dakota and eastern Montana. He knew exactly how to turn a screw a 1/4 inch to make a swather run smoothly. Ray once earned the award for top salesman in the United States. Eventually Ray became part owner of Prairie Implement in Killdeer. He continued this profession until his retirement. After his retirement Ray kept busy repairing rock chips in windshields with his business in the Dickinson area.

In spite of his illness in 2007, Ray was determined to make a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. He loved the peacefulness there and found comfort in a more meaningful relationship with our Blessed Lady. Ray had a natural talent for meeting and conversing with people. He could not go any place without knowing someone. His deep infectious laugh will be missed by all.

Ray is survived by his wife Loretta; two sons and three daughters and their families and children, Leslie and his daughter Molly; Michael (DeNeen) and their son and daughter, Denin and Kendall; Elaine (Tim) Auen and their son and daughter Brady and Megan; Janelle; Rebecca (Jason) Hummel and their daughter, Adwyn. Ray is survived by his mother Celestine; his brother Joe (Mary); and sisters, Roberta (Robert) Ressler, Dorothy (Vern) Leingang, Clara (Harry) Lacher, and Gloria (Larry) Reichmann. Ray was preceded in death by his father, Isadore; his brother-in-law, Gerald Leingang; and his nephew, Chad Steven Leingang.