Funeral services for Raymond Kornkven, age 98 of Bottineau, were held on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bottineau.  Officiating at the service was Reverend Craig Jennings. Shelly Berge was the organist and the congregation sang "In The Garden" and "How Great Thou Art".  Ken Kornkven sang "My Jesus I Love Thee" and Lynn and Shawn Boehm sang "Precious Lord, Take My Hand".  Lucas Shogren played "The Lord's Prayer" on the cello.   Angela Volk, Elizabeth Armstrong, Andrea Hansen and Danielle Mahar were the readers.  Robert Kornkven was the eulogist.  Casket bearers were all of Ray's grandchildren.  Burial was at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.

Ray was born on March 1, 1920 on a farm north of Souris, North Dakota. Ray was one of eleven children of Norwegian immigrant parents, Iver and Hannah Kornkven, and he had great pride in that heritage. Ray attended a rural one-room elementary school and graduated from Souris High School in 1938. After high school, he began his farming career. On December 24, 1944, he married the love of his life, Junet (Jo) Berge. They were soon to celebrate 74 years of marriage. Ray and Jo were a testament of one of the greatest of loves to all who knew them. Ray and Jo moved to Bottineau in 1952. This move changed the course of their lives as he started his construction business with his brothers and later his sons, often doing business with a handshake. Ray continued to farm, and also had interests in Newberger's Lumberyard, State Bank of Bottineau, and R & R Properties (multiple family housing).

Ray passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the age of 98.

Ray and Jo were blessed with four children, Joleen (Roger) Feldner, Robert (Colleen) Kornkven, Richard (Karna) Kornkven, and Karen (Len) Smith. Later they would welcome 11 grandchildren, Brad (Laura) Feldner, Shawn Feldner, Angela (Brian) Volk, Mark (Angela) Kornkven, Elizabeth (Louis) Armstrong, Thomas (Molly) Kornkven, Michael Kornkven, Andrea (Austin) Hansen, Danielle (Drew) Mahar, Lucas (Stephanie) Shogren, Zachary (Anna) Shogren, and 17 (soon to be 18) great grandchildren into his family. Ray was proud of them all and they were equally as proud to be a part of his legacy.

Ray enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, golfing, and skiing, as well as their many years at Lake Metigoshe. Ray's life was measured in his faith in his Lord and Savior, and his deep love for his wife, family, extended family and friends. He has impacted each of us, and will be missed each and every day.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register at www.nerofuneralhome.net