Ray Hennessy, 87, Minot and longtime Berthold area farmer, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 14, 2019 in a Minot nursing home.

Raymond William Hennessy was born on October 29, 1931 in Minot to William and Anna (Hollenfelz) Hennessy. He was raised on the family farm near Lonetree, attended elementary school in Lonetree and graduated from Berthold High School in 1949.  Following graduation from high school, he assisted on the family farm in Mandan Township of Ward County near Berthold.

Ray married Patricia "Pat" O'Donnell on October 14, 1954 at St. Leo's Catholic Church - Minot. They made their home on the Hennessy family farm where they raised small grains and livestock.   Ray and Pat moved to Minot in November of 2014.  Recently, he became a resident of Trinity Homes.

Ray was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church- Minot and St. Ann's Catholic Church- Berthold.  He was a member of Knights of Columbus, Elk's Lodge, Berthold Farmers Elevator Board and Mandan Township Board.  Family was the core of Ray's life.  An avid hunter and sportsman, he taught all of his kids and several of his grandchildren how to hunt.  Family hunting and camping with his dear friend, Art Tysse, have made many lasting memories and created many family traditions.  Ray enjoyed reading and studying historical information.  When he wasn't hunting or reading you could probably find him supporting his children or grandchildren in their activities.

Ray's loving family includes his wife of 64 years, Patricia; children:  Tim ( Eve) Hennessy, Bismarck; Rebecca (Marlo) Jungemann, Berthold; Bill (Karen) Hennessy, Berthold/Minot; Patrick (Kim) Hennessy, Williston; Lisa (Randy) Harmon, Sun Prairie, WI; John (Michelle) Hennessy, Cheney, WA; Holly (Kevin) Mercer, Mesa, AZ; grandchildren: Robyn (Ben) Zeltinger, Dan (Tasha) Hennessy, Matthew (Libby) Hennessy, Morgan Jungemann, Kolton Jungemann, Makenzie (Brennan) Quintus, Kelsey (Cody) Brown, Luke (Jenn) Hennessy, James (Carley) Hennessy, Amanda (Shawn) Erickson, Rachel Hennessy, Reed Harmon, Ross Harmon, Haylie (Boone) Plager, Logan Hennessy, Michael Mercer, Madelyn Mercer and Margaret Mercer; great grandchildren: Molly & Lucy Zeltinger, Quinton & Keegan Hennessy, Avvy & Anna Quintus, Eliza Brown, Carter Hennessy, Corbin Hennessy, Kennet & Noah Erickson and Baby Blaise Plager and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, sisters:  Vivian Hamilton, Esther Larson, Gayle Hennessy and Lila Ann Hennessy.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, September 20, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church - Minot
Vigil Prayer Service:  Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in St. Ann's Catholic Church - Berthold.
Interment: Wildrose Cemetery - Berthold.
Visitation: Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot and from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in St. Ann's Catholic Church – Berthold.
Memorials are preferred to the Ward County Book Mobile and Second Story Social Club.

Ray Hennessy Flowers