Newfolden - Raymond E. Tunheim, 78, died Thursday, May 21, 1998 at Dakota Heartland Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 26 at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden with Reverend John Jorgensen officiating. Ida Nordvall was the organist, and Deland Elseth was the soloist. Special music was also provided by the men's group. Casketbearers were Alvin Olson, Vernon Bengston, John Bjorsness, Kenneth Hjelle, Stuart Sethre and Milford Rokke. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery in Newfolden. The Green Funeral Home of Thief River Falls was in charge of the arrangements.
Raymond Earl Tunheim was born on November 18, 1919 in New Folden township of Marshall county, the son of Oscar and Amanda (Johnson) Tunheim. He was baptized at Westaker Lutheran Church and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden. He attended Wildwood School south of Newfolden and graduated from Newfolden High School in 1937. He worked with his father on the family farm.
On April 5, 1950 he was united in marriage to Lucille Starr in Pelican Rapids. He continued to farm until 1952 when he began working at the Newfolden Cooperative Elevator. He became general manager the following year, a position he held for 32 years. In 1967 he purchased land adjoining his home and farmed into retirement.
Raymond was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden and served on the church council as secretary, deacon, trustee and vice-president. He was also a charter member of the Newfolden Lions Club and was currently treasurer of the organization. Over the years he served on the volunteer fire department, the Newfolden City Council, on the board of directors of Newfolden Community Homes, the Northwest Regional Development Commission, and on the board of directors and as vice-president of Marshall County State Bank in Newfolden.
He enjoyed visiting with family and friends, working on his land and John Deere tractors and watching sporting events. Recently, he and Lucille were named Basketball Fans of the Year by the MCC Sports Boosters.
Ray is survived by his wife, Lucille of Newfolden; two sons, John (Kathryn) of Stillwater and Robert (Katherine) of Orono; one daughter, Julie Tunheim of Pelican Rapids; five grandchildren; one sister, Senora Elseth of Newfolden; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant grandson, Thomas Hill Tunheim.