Raymond “Ray” Schmaltz, 46, Dickinson, ND died Sunday, March 9, 2008 at his home following a courageous battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Ray’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am, Thursday, March 13, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Dennis Schafer as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 8 am to 9 pm, Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 7 pm, with Deacon Al Schwindt presiding.
Raymond was born March 4, 1962 in Dickinson, the son of Nick and Adeline (Zander) Schmaltz. He was educated in Dickinson while living on the family farm south east of Dickinson where he helped his parents with their dairy operation. Ray married Lisa Galster on September 3, 1985.
Ray worked construction for a period of time while he continued to farm until 2002 at which time he went to work for Winn Construction. He continued to work until being diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease in 2006. Throughout Ray’s struggles with ALS he kept a positive attitude and never lost the ability to live, laugh and love.
Ray was an avid Washington Redskins fan, enjoyed riding motorcycle, and especially loved spending time with his family and friends.
Ray is survived by his five children, Chelsey, Christian, Desirae, Dustin and Shelby Schmaltz all of Dickinson; his mother, Adeline, Schmaltz, Dickinson; grandson, Jeffrey Ray; nine siblings, LaVerne Kessel, Dayton, WA, Donna (Arnie) Betlaf, Dickinson, Sharon (Bob) Roshau, Dickinson, Linda (Joe) Wanner, Gladstone, ND, Pat (Thurman) Wolf, Dickinson, Bertie (Kurt) Gustafson, Dickinson, Nick (Carol) Schmaltz, Jr., Dickinson, Bernie (Mike) Wolf, Dickinson, and Char (Elldean) Maychrzak, Scranton, ND; and two sisters-in-law, Anneliese Schmaltz, Dickinson, and Darlene Schmaltz, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his dad, two brothers, Allan and Bob, his grandparents, one niece, Renae, and an infant brother, Ralph.
