Raymond R. Kovash, 76, Dickinson, ND died Thursday, June 12, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Ray’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Austin Vetter as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday at Ladbury Funeral Service. There will be a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m., Monday at Ladbury Funeral Service with Deacon Russ Kovash presiding.

Ray Kovash was born the son of Peter and Mary (Sadowsky) Kovash on November 11, 1931 in Dickinson. He was raised on the family farm near Manning.

Ray married Blanche Ficek on June 2, 1952 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. Along with their four children, they farmed northeast of Dickinson for 50 years prior to moving into Dickinson in 2001.

The love of his life was his family. He immensely enjoyed watching all the sporting events and extra-curricular activities of his children and grandchildren. Ray was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Twins and the Trinity Titans. Playing pinochle was also a favorite pastime ~ rarely did he get outbid when he had a good hand. Ray was especially proud of his cattle and also enjoyed fishing with his family.

Ray is survived by his wife, Blanche; their four children, Monte (Diane), Darcy, Perry (Sonja), and Russ, all of Dickinson; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Hulstein, Vanessa Kovash, Jesse Kovash, Heather Kovash, Ashley Kovash, Katie Kovash, Brittni Pladson and Parker Pladson; three great-grandchildren, Matthew, James and Carly Hulstein; one sister, Mary (Herman) Dukart; three brothers, Henry (Lillian) Kovash, Wilfred (Georgia) Kovash and Albert (Evelyn) Kovash; two sisters-in-law, Bertha (Tony) Kralicek and Donna Kovash; and one brother-in-law, Ludwig Karsky. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Mary; one brother, Ron; and one sister, Martha Karsky.