Raymond Ray Charles Larsen

Raymond Charles Larsen, 78, lifelong resident of Proctor, died unexpectedly in his sleep in Mesa, AZ on Friday, November 2, 2012. Ray was born to Charles and Ingrid (Rude) Larsen in Duluth on September 18, 1934. He married Barbara (Jugasek) on May 7, 1960 at St. Rose in Proctor. They spent their 52 years of marriage as residents of Proctor, wintering in Mesa, AZ for the past 16 years.

Ray spent his life helping his family and friends with various handyman projects. He attended St. Rose Catholic Church in Proctor serving on different committees. He was in the Air National Guard. Ray was also a proud cancer survivor. Almost 30 years ago, Ray beat bladder cancer.

Ray attended Proctor High School, class of 1952. He graduated from Dunwoody Industrial Institute in 1963 and accepted a position with Minnesota Power, retiring after more than 30 years as an engineer. In his earlier years, he ran Larsen Brothers Mobil and worked at the DM&IR Railroad Co. and held various other jobs.

Ray was very active in his community. He was on the Board of Directors for Hillside Gardens in Proctor, a volunteer for the Proctor Fire Department for 20 years, a chairman of Proctor Public Utility Commission for 16 years, a Cub Scout leader, and involved with many other community activities.

Ray held membership in many organizations. He was a member of Euclid Masonic Lodge of Duluth and was the Worshipful Master in 1974. He also belonged to the Scottish Rite and Shriners. He was a member of the Proctor Moose Lodge for over 50 years and West Duluth American Legion Post #71.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Corrine Larsen and Charlene White; father in law, Leo Jugasek; and brothers in law, James Miller, Ray Parker, and James Jugasek.

Ray was a very loving person especially to his wife, Barbara; son, Gary (Heather) Larsen of Moorhead, MN; daughters, Kathy (Tim) Clisch of Reedsburg, WI and Brenda (Mike) Dunaisky of Duluth; grandchildren, Meghan, Jacob, and Zachary Clisch, Brooke Tucker, Zach, Jeff, and Mikaela Dunaisky, and Alicia Larsen; brother, Robert (Dorothy) of Duluth; sisters, Betty Miller and Dorothy Parker, both of Duluth; aunt and uncle, Louis and Eleanor Brassard of Proctor; mother in law, Marion Jugasek of Proctor; brother-in-law, Tim (Judy Long) Jugasek of Independence; sister-in-law, Mary (Mickey) Strongitharm of Proctor; and exchange daughter, Catherine Dubs of La Bouille, France and her daughters, Stephanie and Marine Dubs . He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral service will be held Friday, November 9, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, 3-6th Ave, Proctor. Visitation Thursday 4-7 at Bell Brothers Funeral Home, 601 N 56th Ave. N, Duluth and one hour prior to service at the church on Friday. Committal at Sunrise Memorial Park.

To leave a memory of Ray or words of support please visit our website at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com.