Obituary for Raymond Jerome Graftaas
Raymond “Ray” Jerome Graftaas, age 85, of Barnum, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Ray was born on March 25, 1940, in Gonvick, Minnesota, to Roy and Julia (Kise) Graftaas. He was baptized and confirmed at Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick. He graduated from Gonvick High School in 1958.
On December 19, 1970, Ray was united in marriage to Kay Milczark in Moose Lake, Minnesota. Together they made their home in Gonvick, and later moved to Barnum, where they raised their family and built a life centered around faith, hard work, and love.
Ray worked for the Gonvick Creamery, Watne Implement, Rehbein Construction, Heaton’s Sewer Service, and the Carlton County Highway Department as a grader operator for 31 years, retiring in 2003. Known for his dependability and strong work ethic, he took great pride in a job well done.
Ray was a strong man with a quiet and humble spirit. He loved his family and friends deeply and lived his faith daily through kindness, patience, and perseverance. He enjoyed playing cards, spending time with his grandchildren, tending his garden, and could build or fix just about anything. His strength, love, and steady presence will be missed by all who knew him.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Kay; children, Wendy (Scott) Cisar of Sturgeon Lake, Nathan (Melissa) Graftaas of Carlton, and Jennifer (Gregg) Campbell of Barnum; grandchildren, Joey Cisar, Taylor (Landen) Benson, Avery Graftaas, Julia Campbell, and Brody Campbell; sisters, Phyllis Jacobson of Pelican Rapids and JoAnn (Ruben) Garcia of Sterling, Illinois; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Julia Graftaas; in-laws, George and Henriette Milczark; siblings, Stanley Graftaas, Albert Graftaas, and Bernice Magnussen; and in-laws, Harvey Berg, Oswald Erlandson, Herb Magnussen, Junior Jacobson, Pat Graftaas, and Shirley Graftaas; as well as numerous other relatives.
A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family. All are welcome to join the family for a food and fellowship gathering on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 1-3 pm at Hope Lutheran Church, 204 Elm Ave, Moose Lake, MN 55767. Stories and memories will be shared at 2 pm.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. David Arvold for his years of care and support to Ray and the family, the Aspirus St. Luke’s At Home Hospice team for their compassionate care, and Pastor Wendy for her comforting presence and guidance during this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Hope Lutheran Church of Moose Lake.
Raymond “Ray” Jerome Graftaas, age 85, of Barnum, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Ray was born on March 25, 1940, in Gonvick, Minnesota, to Roy and Julia (Kise) Graftaas. He was baptized and confirmed at Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick. He graduated from Gonvick High School in 1958.
On December 19, 1970, Ray was united in marriage to Kay Milczark in Moose Lake, Minnesota. Together they made their home in Gonvick, and later moved to Barnum, where they raised their family and built a life centered around faith, hard work, and love.
Ray worked for the Gonvick Creamery, Watne Implement, Rehbein Construction, Heaton’s Sewer Service, and the Carlton County Highway Department as a grader operator for 31 years, retiring in 2003. Known for his dependability and strong work ethic, he took great pride in a job well done.
Ray was a strong man with a quiet and humble spirit. He loved his family and friends deeply and lived his faith daily through kindness, patience, and perseverance. He enjoyed playing cards, spending time with his grandchildren, tending his garden, and could build or fix just about anything. His strength, love, and steady presence will be missed by all who knew him.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Kay; children, Wendy (Scott) Cisar of Sturgeon Lake, Nathan (Melissa) Graftaas of Carlton, and Jennifer (Gregg) Campbell of Barnum; grandchildren, Joey Cisar, Taylor (Landen) Benson, Avery Graftaas, Julia Campbell, and Brody Campbell; sisters, Phyllis Jacobson of Pelican Rapids and JoAnn (Ruben) Garcia of Sterling, Illinois; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Julia Graftaas; in-laws, George and Henriette Milczark; siblings, Stanley Graftaas, Albert Graftaas, and Bernice Magnussen; and in-laws, Harvey Berg, Oswald Erlandson, Herb Magnussen, Junior Jacobson, Pat Graftaas, and Shirley Graftaas; as well as numerous other relatives.
A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family. All are welcome to join the family for a food and fellowship gathering on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 1-3 pm at Hope Lutheran Church, 204 Elm Ave, Moose Lake, MN 55767. Stories and memories will be shared at 2 pm.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. David Arvold for his years of care and support to Ray and the family, the Aspirus St. Luke’s At Home Hospice team for their compassionate care, and Pastor Wendy for her comforting presence and guidance during this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Hope Lutheran Church of Moose Lake.