Raymond “Ray” J. Bren, 85, New Hradec, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck. Ray’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Robert Shea as celebrant. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Interment will take place at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, New Hradec. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary & Vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Bob Stockert presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday.
Raymond Jerry Bren was born February 13, 1940, in Dickinson to Anton W. and Anna (Binstock) Bren. He was raised on the family farm southwest of New Hradec, where he developed a strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. Ray attended New Castle Catholic School, graduating from the eighth grade before helping on the family farm. He served honorably in the United States Army and the North Dakota National Guard.
In 1958, Ray attended a dance at the New Hradec Hall where he met the love of his life, Kathleen “Kathie” Bren. The two were married on October 10, 1960, and together, they worked side by side on the family farm. In 1967, Ray and Kathie made the decision to move to New Hradec, where they took over the New Hradec Bar. Though they eventually closed the bar, Ray’s entrepreneurial spirit never faltered.
Ray later worked for Dunn County before establishing his own business, Bren Construction, which became one of his greatest passions. He spent many years growing the business, working hard until his retirement in his seventies, at which he enjoyed more time with Kathie, their children, and grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Kathie; children, Duane (Marge) Bren, Melanie (Kevin) Deyo, Tina (Shawn) Locke, Reine (Brad) Kulish, and Jay (Julie) Bren; grandchildren, Shandi (Jerry Praus) Bren, Ryan (Kelly) Bren, Tyler (Brooke) Bren, Josh (Alyssa) Deyo, Marissa Deyo, Kayla (Scott Flotterud) Deyo, Missy (Ricky) Bean, Candice (Caleb) Burgard, Laiken (Kendrick) Calavera, Nathan Goldade, Connor Goldade, Amber Goldade; and great-grandchildren, Faith Buckman, Aria Buckman, Skylar Deyo, Kamdyn Deyo, Cambrie Burgard, and Adalyn Burgard; sisters, Irene Howard and MaryAnn Krehlik.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Anna Bren; and infant brother, Donald Bren; brothers-in-law, Gary Howard and Vincent Krehlik.
Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his love, wisdom, and determination will live on in his family and community.
