Dear Classes of 1986, 1988, 1991, 1995, 2014, 2016, 2019, & 2024:

This is a Deacon Alert to inform you of the passing of Raymond Meier on Sunday, Jan. 19th.

Ray was the father of Kari (Meier) Sornsin ('88), Chris Meier ('91), Tim Meier ('95), and the grandfather of Alex Brock ('14), Matthew Brock ('16), Libby Brock ('19), Ryan Brock ('28), Maria (Sornsin) Irish ('19), Max Sornsin ('25), Grace Meier ('19), Boden Meier ('24), Landon Meier ('24), Easton Meier, Griffin Meier, and Maggie Meier.

Obituary:

Raymond Stephen Meier passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy defined by his humble, selfless, and joyful spirit. Raised in a large Catholic family on a farm near Zeeland, Ray’s life was filled with love, faith, and boundless generosity. He was a man who shared his gifts freely with everyone he met, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Ray’s education reflected his passion for serving others. He moved to Fargo to attend Cardinal Muench High School in preparation for the priesthood (though life had other plans). He later pursued a career in healthcare, earning his credentials at St. Luke’s School of Nursing, North Dakota State University, and St. Luke’s School of Anesthesia. His education became the foundation for decades of dedicated service in healthcare, including two years in the Air Force.

Ray shared his talent as a gifted nurse anesthetist, a calling he described as so fulfilling that receiving a paycheck was simply a bonus. His skill and compassion revolutionized care for pediatric cancer patients, as he rewrote protocols to allow children to receive anesthesia during difficult procedures. Yet, with the gentle wisdom of a grandpa, Ray often calmed children through MRIs without the need for anesthesia at all. Known as the “epidural king,” Ray earned respect and admiration across the region, not just for his exceptional medical expertise but for his humor and warmth. Many remember his knack for starting impossible IVs with his large farm boy fingers, along with his playful suggestion to name their babies “Raymond” if they hadn’t yet chosen a name. His talent extended to his unmatched work ethic, shaped by his farm upbringing. Whether moving a hide-a-bed up a flight of stairs by himself or putting in countless hours helping others with projects, Ray gave his all to every task, embodying strength and determination.

Ray’s treasure was a gift he shared freely with others. He donated to causes near and dear to his heart, from supporting his grandchildren’s fundraisers to giving generously to Shanley High School and NDSU. He also generously donated to St. Paul’s Newman Center, reflecting his commitment to his faith and his community. His faith guided his philanthropy, most notably in his leadership on the capital campaign for Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, helping to raise funds for the building of the social hall, offices, and magnificent church. Although asking for donations was outside his comfort zone, Ray embraced the challenge with trust in the Lord, leading by example with his own generosity. His giving spirit was grounded in his love of faith, family, and community.

Ray gave abundantly of his time, especially to his family. He rarely missed a grandchild’s baseball, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball, swim, tennis, or cross-country events, often traveling to attend and offering rides to practices. He loved making stops at Caribou with his grandkids and sharing meaningful conversations. Ray made time for everyone—family, neighbors, coworkers, parishioners, and even strangers he met in grocery store aisles or on the sidewalk. Known for his warm smile, hearty hugs, and engaging personality, Ray’s unassuming manner made everyone feel valued.

He loved deeply and joyfully. He loved the Lord, his family, and his lake place. He loved driving his trusty Ford Ranger at a steady 55 mph, no matter the higher speed limit. He loved teasing others with humor that was always funny and never mean. He loved teasing Doogie and Mocha. He loved licorice and Hamm’s beer, but only at the lake. He loved clapping loudly for the Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, or Bison whenever they did something great. He loved being early for Mass, urging his family to hurry with a cheerful “Schnell!” in German. He loved keeping Rosaries and Holy Water close, whether on his bedside table, in his car, or anywhere he happened to be. He loved Red Eye, a drink he taught his family how to make just a month ago, ensuring his legacy of humor and hospitality continues. In summary, he loved life. He loved it all.

In his final year, Ray faced his ALS diagnosis as he did everything else in life—with courage, grace, and unwavering trust in the Lord. This chapter of his life became a final opportunity to teach us—how to live with patience, joy, humility, and faith. In his suffering, he showed us how to accept care and love, and in his final moments, he showed us how to die with dignity and peace. His family has chosen to inscribe on his marker, “Everybody loved him,” a fitting tribute to the wide-reaching affection he inspired throughout his life.

Ray’s humble yet extraordinary life leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and generosity that will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him. In honor of Ray’s memory, his family encourages acts of kindness and generosity in his spirit. We invite you to honor his memory by offering a memorial to an organization that in some way connected you to Ray—whether it be his church, a hospital, a school, or another cause close to his heart. Let us all give of our talents, treasures, and time, just as he did, to make the world a brighter place.

Ray is survived by his love, his wife of nearly 55 years, Patricia. He is also survived by: daughter Kari (Mark) Sornsin and children Alex (Nancy), Matthew, Libby, and Ryan Brock, Maria (Justin) Irish, and Max Sornsin; son Chris (Karin) Meier and children Grace, Boden, and Landon Meier; son Tim (Kara) Meier and children Easton (Kaylee) (and their son Maddox), Griffin, and Maggie Meier. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernhard and Magdalena, and his siblings Benny, Sophie, and Dick. He is survived by siblings Leonhard, Jim, Sr. Doretta, Jerome, Vic, Frank, Mary, Barb, and Gerald.

A visitation will take place from 5-7 PM followed by a prayer service at 7 PM Friday, January 24, 2025 at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo. Visitation will continue from 1:45-2:45 PM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 2:45 PM Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the church. Burial will take place at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood. Arrangements by Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo.

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