Rik Layne Stratton, 57, Minot, died Monday, November 15, 2010 at his residence.

Rik was born May 6, 1953 at Los Angeles, California, the son of James T. and Margaret Stratton. He was raised at Los Angeles and entered into active duty service with the U.S. Air Force in 1971.

He was united in marriage to Mary Henderson in 1973. Throughout the years, he honorably served his country in Vietnam and Operation Desert Shield, until retiring as a Master Sergeant at the Minot Air Force Base in 1993.

Rik was passionate about wolves and dogs. He was a member of the VFW, NRA and AARP.

His loving family includes , wife, Mary Stratton, Fargo; children, Kris (Kristin) Stratton, Minot, Erik (Mindy) Stratton, Fargo, father, James Theodore Stratton, Nixa, MO, and brother, Todd Stratton of Missouri.

Rik was preceded in death by his mother.

Public Gathering and Visitation : Friday, November 19, 2010 from 2:00-4:00p.m in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants the family prefers memorials.