Ray Amundson passed away on September 17, 2022 in Laramie, WY after a short bout with cancer. Ray was born October 14, 1923 in Sanborn, ND to Edna T. and Arnold B. Amundson. Growing up, he attended schools in Sanborn, Valley City and Fargo, ND. He graduated from Fargo High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He was a P-38 fighter pilot based out of northern Italy fighting over the enemy-held areas of eastern Europe. Upon returning from the war, he continued with the ND National Guard as a Captain. Following WWII, Ray attended and graduated from North Dakota State University in Architecture. He worked as an architect for firms in Fargo and, subsequently, Great Falls, MT where he met and married Helen Arneson. Ray and Helen had 2 children, Eric and Gayle.
For 35 years, along with various partners, Ray had his own architectural firm in Great Falls, where he worked until his retirement in 1986. For a short time after that, he worked as a contracted employee with Sletten Construction in Winslow, AZ. He and Helen divided their retirement time between Mesa, AZ and Great Falls. After Helen’s death, Ray moved to Mesa permanently. He enjoyed playing golf, socializing with friends and neighbors, and loved puttering outside.
He is predeceased by his parents, his wife of 50 years, his son, his brother, Aubrey Amundson, his half -brother, Richard Kjelland, and his good friend, Marlene Muller. He is survived by his daughter, Gayle, his 4 grandchildren Kirstin Johnson (Micha), Dane Amundson, Kathryn Adams (Nick) and Kelsey Hendricks, his 6 great grandchildren, Taylor Amundson, Charlie and Scarlett Johnson, Walter and Lois Amundson, and Breck Adams, and his 2 half-brothers, Keith and Charles Amundson.
We would like to thank Hospice of Laramie, Pole Mountain Pharmacy, and the Laramie EMTs for their care, compassion and service. If you would like to honor Ray in some way, please donate to Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Dr, Laramie, WY 82070, a 501C3 organization, https://hospiceoflaramie.org/.
Ray lived a long, full life. He loved his friends and family who kept him young and active. He was a stabilizing force and a true gentleman. Dad, we miss you. Have fun fishing with Eric!
