Walter Paul Raugutt

Walter Paul Raugutt, 88, Ellendale, ND died August 29, 2015 at Oakes Good Samaritan Center, Oakes, ND. He was born December 14, 1926 to Gottfried and Julianna (Wiederrich) Raugutt on the family farm, Hamburg township, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Monango, ND and later a member of Peace Lutheran, Merricourt, ND. He then joined Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale, ND. He entered the service and was honorably discharged in 1946. Walter was united in marriage to Wilma Burkhardt June 28, 1949 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church near Guelph. Walter continued to farm until 1956 when they moved into Ellendale where he worked at the Texaco Station. Walter became Deputy Sheriff for Dickey County on September 1, 1956, a position he held for 10 years. He was then elected sheriff for seven 4-year terms. After his retirement, he continued to help part time in the sheriff’s department for the City of Oakes and different farmers. Walter never lost interest in law enforcement. During his time in office, he was president of the ND Sheriff’s and Deputies Association, President and Secretary of the Southeast Crime Conference, Brand Inspector for the State of ND, appointed to the Combined Law Enforcement Council by Governor Link, life member of the ND Sheriff’s Department Association and the Southeast Crime Conference. He helped to organize the Southeast Multiple Counties Drug Task Force and became president of it. He was Dickey County Coroner for 3 years and on the ND Peace Officers Association Scholarship Committee. He received the Lone Eagle Award which was the highest honor in Law Enforcement. Walter was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale where he held various offices throughout the years. He gleefully cut many squares for the church quilting project in the winter months. He was an active member of the Ellendale Fire Department, past commander of the American Legion, Boys State Chairman and President of the Ludden Sportmen Club. Survivors include his wife, Wilma, of 66 years; two daughters: Melinda (Frank) Fritzler of Gillette WY, Twyla (David) Schrall, Sundance, WY; one son: Owen Raugutt, Ellendale, ND; one granddaughter: Melissa (Walter was always “Grandpa Sheriff” to her); his “adopted” neighbor boy, John Labuhn; three brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arthur and Norman. The funeral is 10am Thursday, September 3 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Paul Preus officiating. Visitation is 2-7pm Wednesday with a prayer service at 5:30pm all at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Visitation continues one hour prior to services at the church. Burial with Military Honors is at Ellendale City Cemetery. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.