Raymond Burwell, 83, of Warren, MN, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2020 at White Pine Senior Living in Cottage Grove, MN with his family by his side.
Raymond Nicholas Burwell was born on March 29, 1937, in Grand Forks, ND, the only child of Joseph and Louella (Smith) Burwell. He spent his early years on a farm near Angus, MN, where he spent a great deal of time with his paternal grandparents. He later moved into Grand Forks, attending Central High School, until moving to Warren as a Junior. He graduated from Warren High in 1955 and joined the US Navy. Ray served aboard a WWII-era Aircraft Carrier, the USS Tarawa. He started as a Machinists Mate in the engine room and was, much to everyone's relief (he was never very handy), promoted to Yeoman, as he was one of the few on board who could proficiently type. He was honorably discharged in 1957, and moved back to Warren, where he worked at several local stores. On one visit to deliver a recliner, Ray met a particular young woman and was smitten... Ray was united in marriage to Janet Ann DeMars on November 26, 1960, in old Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Warren. The two made their home in Roseau, where Ray had recently opened an Army Navy Surplus store. The two had twin girls, followed shortly by another. The family of five moved back to Warren in 1962 to be closer to their families. Ray had a brief stint as a radio announcer for KTRF before taking a job at American Crystal Sugar as an accountant, retiring in 2007.
In addition to being a member of the Warren American Legion since 1955, Ray was also a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, past President of the Marshall County Fair Board, and a regular funeral assistant for Chuck DuBore since 1958. Ray will be remembered for his beautiful deep voice, his big heart, and his devotion to his wife.
Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jan; daughters, Raanne (Jeff) Bork of Oslo, MN, Patricia (Troy) Lund of Hastings, MN, and Judy (James) Pulkrabek of Grand Forks, ND; four grandchildren, Brooke (Jordan) Johnson, Trevor (Heidi) Lund, Jamie (Kaelin) Kyllo and Jameson (Brianna) Pulkrabek; six great-grandchildren, Brynlie, Rowan and Eden Johnson, Bennett and Lennon Lund and Jax Kyllo; and great-grand dog, Remey Pulkrabek. He was preceded in death by his parents.
PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICE: Will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 10, 2020 in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Warren, MN.
MILITARY SERVICE BY: Warren American Legion Post #27
Note: The public is welcome to the graveside service. Social distancing will be required and masks are recommended.