Ray Ulmer

Ray Ulmer, 92, Ellendale, ND was born October 31, 1915, in Wright Township near Fullerton, ND. He was the son of August and Katherine (Issler) Ulmer. Ray was raised on the family farm and attended school in Wright Township. After Ray’s 8th grade education he took over the family farm. In 1947 Ray and his brother Max purchased the Red and White Store in Ellendale where Ray was the manager. In 1956 Ray married Nora Bartel and to this union was born their daughter Shanda. Ray worked hard making the grocery store a success and was always up to the challenge of getting a bargain. He drove truck to Aberdeen to pick up groceries and produce for the store. He also sold potatoes, at his grocery store, grown on their farm near Fullerton. In 1985 Ray married Anna Nitschke and they resided in Ellendale while Ray continued to operate the grocery store until 1993 when he retired. In the spring of 2005 Ray moved to Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale where he resided until his death May 9, 2008. Ray was generous in giving to the Ellendale community. He founded a scholarship fund for graduating seniors at the Ellendale High School, gave generously to Trinity Bible College and helped finance the college fieldhouse now known as Ray Ulmer Fieldhouse. His hobbies included bowling, shuffle-board, gardening, and playing the harmonica, piano, organ, guitar and accordion all by ear. He was involved in bowling leagues and was a member of the Presbyterian United Methodist Church of Ellendale, ND and Moose Lodge of Aberdeen, SD. Grateful to have shared in his life is his daughter: Shanda (Curt) Cosette of West Fargo, ND; the proud grandfather of his granddaughter: Shae Cossette of West Fargo, ND; one brother: Marvin (Della) Ulmer of Ellendale, ND and one sister-in-law: Florence Ulmer of Ellendale, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Anna; one sister: Gladys Jenkins and one brother: Max Ulmer. The funeral is 10am Monday at Presbyterian United Methodist Church, Ellendale with Pastors Ken Adams and Dennis Niles officiating. Visitation is 2-6pm with a prayer service at 5pm Sunday at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial is at Mapleview Cemetery, Fullerton, ND. Organist: Tim Peterson; Duet by: Tim & Sybil Peterson; Casket Bearers: Rick Ulmer, Kenny Kosel, Tom Ulmer, Jay Kendall, Jim Ulmer, Trevor Ulmer, Steve Tvedt and Tony Hanson.