Raymond LeRoy Klimpel, 78, Minot and formerly of rural Sawyer died on Saturday, September 23, 2006, in a Minot nursing home.

He was born on July 12, 1928, in Sherwood, ND, to Walter and Rosella (Knutson) Klimpel. He moved with his family to the Sawyer area at an early age and attended school in Sawyer. He entered the U.S. Army on November 9, 1950 and served during the Korean Conflict until his Honorable Discharge on November 1, 1952. During his military service he married Eleanor Katherine Teele on May 18, 1951 in Forestville, MD. Following his discharge they moved to Minot and shortly thereafter started farming in Willis Township of Ward County southwest of Sawyer. He moved to Sawyer in 1982, but continued to farm until he retired in 1990. Raymond resided at Edgewood Vista from August of 2000 until he moved to Brentmoor in 2004.

Raymond's hobbies included hunting, fishing, and playing cards with family and friends.

Survivors include: Children: Virginia (John) Tarver of WA, Wagina Klimpel (Wayne Webb) of Chester, VA, Jennifer (Jay) Liebelt of Sawyer, ND, Tim (Luann) Klimpel of Minot and Dorian (Terry) Engelhard of Minot; Grandchildren: Aaron and Jason Tarver, Matthew Strunk, Christopher Webb, Beau, Whitney and Skyler Liebelt, Lindsey Klimpel, and Katie and Drew Snellings; Great Grandchild: Abigail Stout; Sisters: Lorraine Irwin of WA, Donna Roberts of Idaho and Ruth Reiber of WA; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and step-grandson: Eric Engelhard.

Funeral Service: Friday September 29, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. in Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park rural Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Our Savior Lutheran Church - Minot.