Ray Wolfer, born on February 8, 1941, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on October 9, 2025 under the loving care of hospice at HIA Heather’s House, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and dedication.
Ray was the beloved son of Matilda Wolfer and grew up on a farm near Gardner, ND. He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse, Welcome Valley, where he studied through the 8th grade. He graduated from Arthur High School and went on to earn an accounting degree from Interstate Business College.
Ray’s professional journey began at Nash Finch, but he soon found his true calling at the Soil Conservation Service, where he dedicated many years before retiring in 1994. In addition to his professional achievements, Ray was a passionate farmer. In 1970, he purchased a farm outside Argusville, ND, where he continued farming until his retirement in 2018. He was a member of many boards throughout his life. Some which included Red River Valley Fair, PetroServe USA, Herby Lutheran Church, and Cass County Water boards.
On September 4, 1964, Ray married Barbara Johnson, with whom he had two children, Evonne and Deanna. Tragically, Barbara passed away in 1979. Ray and Jerrie Hurth were married on September 3, 1982. She brought four children into their marriage, expanding his family further.
Ray was known for his deep passion for farming, and he loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sporting events. He cherished conversations at the bank, elevator, and anywhere farming was discussed. Even after moving into assisted living in 2021 and residing in the memory care unit at Edgewood Vista from 2022 until his passing, he remained active and proud of his family’s accomplishments.
Preceded in death by his first wife Barbara, second wife Jerrie, and his mother Matilda, Ray is survived by his loving children: Evonne (Ben) Amundson, Deanna (Jay) Prante, Peter Hurth, Paul (Paula) Hurth, Pam (Kevin) Christenson, and Perry (Andrea) Hurth. His grandchildren: Bradley (Sonya) Bartz, Emily (Jeremiah Krsnak) Bartz, Michael (Dorothy) Bartz, Kade (Bailee) Amundson, Zachary (Lauren) Prante, Taylor (Bailey Lemna), Garrett Prante, Barbara Prante, Isabelle Prante, Natalie Hurth, Ashley Hurth, David Hurth, Piper Hurth, Drew Hurth, Bobby McMillan, Noah Hurth, Benji Hurth, Joey (Josie Newhall) Hurth, Ali (James) Carlson, Christopher Hurth, and 7 great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish his memory.
Ray’s life was a testament to hard work, family values, his faith, and a genuine love for his community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Ray to Herby Lutheran Church or HIA Hospice.
Visitation: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo.
Funeral Friday, Oct. 17 at 10:30 AM at Herby Lutheran Church, rural Argusville with visitation one hour prior.
Burial: Maple Sheyenne Cemetery, rural Harwood, ND.
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