Raymond E. Dunnigan

Raymond E. Dunnigan was born October 10, 1929 at Walhalla, ND to Earl and Ann (Darling) Dunnigan. He grew up and attended grade school in the Beaulieu area and graduated from Walhalla High School. He was united in marriage to Rita M. Fischer on June 18, 1951 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Mt. Carmel, ND. Together they raised seven children. They farmed the Dunnigan family farm until his retirement.
A lifelong farmer, Ray demonstrated his belief in the value of rural life by forming the first 4-H Club in the area and remained an active leader for many years. He was very pleased when in December 1983, the Dunnigan family farm was recognized by the Department of Agriculture as a North Dakota Centennial Farm for having remained in the Dunnigan-McGauvran family for over 100 years.
Active in his church and community, Ray was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight. He was a member of the board of directors for the Walhalla Farmers Elevator, the Pembilier Nursing Center, and the Cavalier County ASCS Committee. For 30 years, he served on the Board of Directors for United Telephone Mutual Aid. After retiring from farming in 1997, he became an avid woodworker, completing many fine pieces. He enjoyed family gatherings on the farm and hunting with his sons and grandsons.
Ray is survived by his wife of nearly 58 year, Rita, children: Daniel (Linda) Dunnigan, Minto, ND; Debra (Tim) Hudson, Rolla, ND; Nancy Dunnigan (David Koehser), Minneapolis, MN; Mary (David) Saxowsky, West Fargo, ND; Shirley (Wayne) Breimeier, Beulah, ND; Earl (Bev) Dunnigan, Walhalla, ND; Edgar (Deanne) Dunnigan, Pekin, ND; 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lois (Lane) Jackson and two brothers, Lorn (Cecelia) Dunnigan and Pat Dunnigan. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leo and, twin brother Ralph and sister Gertrude Lundby.
Raymond E. Dunnigan passed away peacefully on May 22, 2009 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 10:30 at St Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 - 7:00 with a 7:00 pm Prayer Service in the church.
Celebrants: Rev. Fr. Richard Gross and Rev. Fr. Thomas Krupich
Honorary Pallbearers: All of Ray's Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
Casket Bearers: Erik Breimeier, Jarrod Dunnigan, Joey Dunnigan, Ryan Dunnigan, Timothy Hudson, and Karl Saxowsky.
Music: LaRae Horgan and Shon Carrier, Vocalists and Bernadine Kopf, Organist.