Raymond Michael Sigl, 92, Bismarck, formerly of Richardton, danced his way into Heaven on Saturday, July 31, 2021. Ray’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m., Monday August 9, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Thomas Wordekemper, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Ladbury Funeral Service with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m.

Ray was born on a small, simple farm southwest of Gladstone on May 6, 1929. In 1942, Ray’s parents and siblings relocated to their new homestead north of Richardton where eventually Ray would farm, ranch, and raise his own family.

As a child, Ray took great pride in being the oldest brother and looking out for his younger siblings. He grew up a determined, young boy with a mighty spirit. He was motivated by all of life’s challenges. He loved to run, race and ride horse. He even tried snow-skiing down a local butte on oak barrel slats. He eagerly took on farm tasks fit for a man twice his age. His father, Pete, hampered by health problems, recognized his son’s dependable and hardworking character, and subsequently, entrusted him with much of the farm duties and responsibilities. As a 10-year-old, he was tasked with hitching and guiding a horse-drawn sleigh that carried his younger siblings through deep snowbanks to their county school three miles from home.

Every amazing story is borne out of some tragedy and Ray’s story was no exception. Ray and Dorothy lost their two boys, Dan and Jim at 17 and 16 years of age in an auto accident. Ray also lost his daughter, Diane to cancer, his oldest son, Ray Jr. and wife Dorothy on their 60th wedding anniversary in 2013. Despite Ray’s loss of loved ones, he continued to wake up whistling most every morning. He lived life like a polkafest, with a song in his heart and a skip in his step. His strength, determination, resilience, hard work, play and love of people and life was his secret to life well lived. He applied and shared the gifts God provided him. Well done good and faithful servant.