Raymond Goedhart, 91, Minot died on Friday, May 28, 2010 in a Minot healthcare center.

Ray was born on August 27, 1918 in Sioux Falls, SD to George and Hattie (Lyftogt) Goedhart. He was reared and educated in Sioux Falls until 1932 when he moved with his family to Hospers, Iowa where he graduated from high school in 1937.

Ray married Gezena Helder on October 25, 1939 in Hospers. They made their home in Minneapolis where he was employed by Walman Optical.

Ray was inducted into the U.S. Army on April 12, 1944 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He served in Company "E" of the 331st Infantry in central Europe. He received his honorable discharge on May 29, 1946 having received the Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, European-African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star, Two Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal and Army of Occupation Medal (Germany).

Following his honorable discharge he returned to Minneapolis where he continued his employment with Walman Optical. He transferred with the company to Minot in 1958 and continued with them until his retirement in 1983.

Ray was a member of First Presbyterian Church and American Legion Post #26 both in Minot. He especially enjoyed bowling and watching sporting events especially hockey and Yankee baseball games.

Ray is survived by his wife of 70 years Gezena; son: Paul (Cindy) Goedhart of Banner Elk NC; daughter-in-law: Pamela Goedhart of Ball Ground Ga.; granddaughter: Cyndi Rae Goedhart Hutchins of Norwalk, CA; special friend and caregiver Bev Reimann of Minot and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, son: David, sister: Dorothea Stubstad and brothers: Gerard, Edward and Francis Goedhart.

Funeral Service : Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church - Minot.
Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Veterans Cemetery in St. Paul, MN.
Visitation : Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church, Trinity Hospice or the ND Chapter of the American Cancer Society.