Ray R. Stip, 88, Minot and longtime owner and operator of Northwest Rendering died on Saturday, April 9, 2016 in a Minot hospital following a long battle with cancer.

Ray was born on November 2, 1927 in Madison, SD to John and Mabel (Gunderson) Stip. He was reared and educated there and in Minot where the family moved in 1941. He graduated from Minot High School in 1946 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division, member of the Occupation Forces in Japan and recipient of the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal - Japan. Following his honorable discharge on February 12, 1948 he returned to Minot where he was employed in the family business, Northwest Rendering.

Ray married Lavile Marzolf on September 12, 1949 at First Baptist Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot where he owned and operated Northwest Rendering. Also, he farmed and raised buffalo and elk near Logan, ND. He retired in 2011.

Ray was a former member of Bethany Lutheran Church and Elks Lodge. He especially enjoyed hunting, target shooting, golfing and baseball in his younger years. Also he was an excellent marksman.

Ray's loving family includes his wife of 66 years: Lavile; sons: John Stip and Douglas (Mary) Stip all of Minot; son-in-law: Mike Loken of Belle Fourche, SD; grandchildren: Randy, Keith and Amy Stip, Kelly Ostdahl, Lisa and Laura Loken; sister: Clara Bloom of Phoenix; brother: Henry "Hank" Stip of Sidney MT and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Gennie Loken, daughter-in-law: Karen Stip and siblings: Rose Bengtson, Kay Defoe, Wilma Hinzpeter, Mabel "Toots" Saugstad and John "Jack" Stip.

Private Graveside Service at Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Public Visitation and Viewing: Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice or to Trinity Hospice.