Raymond Rolshoven

Raymond Paul Rolshoven of Mandan, age 94, died of heart failure on Saturday, January 25 at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck. 

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M., on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Joshua Janke officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M., Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Weigel Funeral Home, 309 4th Ave NW, Mandan. A prayer service will begin at 6:00 P.M.  Visitation and continue an hour prior to the service at the church.

Raymond was born to Paul and Kathryn (Ruppert) Rolshoven on February 24, 1930 in New Salem, North Dakota. His family moved to Mandan in 1931 where Raymond lived for the rest of his life (other than for college and the service). He served as the Mandan High School class president for the graduating class of 1948 and continued holding reunions until their 65th anniversary. Raymond ran track and earned letters in varsity basketball. He met and married Bernice Mastel, the love of his life, on July 14, 1950. They celebrated their 74th anniversary last July. 

Raymond worked for Mohr Photographic Studio and joined the National Guard. He and his two brothers were called to active duty and served together at Ft. Rucker in Alabama. His first daughter was born while he was there. After returning from military service, Raymond went to work for Toman Engineering in Mandan. In the fall of 1953, he attended classes part time at Bismarck State College while continuing to work for Toman’s. Raymond and Bernice moved to Fargo so he could attend NDSU to pursue a civil engineering degree. When the budget got too tight, they returned to Mandan for full-time work and back to NDSU as they could afford it. The GI Bill was a big help, plus Ray worked two jobs and Bernice worked three jobs to get him through college! Raymond graduated from NDSU with a Civil Engineering Degree in 1959. 

Raymond and his young family returned to Mandan where he again worked at Toman Engineering. His next employment was for the North Dakota State Department of Health, Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control, becoming the Assistant Director in 1974. He later returned to the private sector and worked for LANDCO, providing engineering for developing city sub-divisions. He completed his career working for Ulteig Engineers, Inc. until his retirement in 1995.

Raymond was a member of the ND Society of Professional Engineers, serving as its president in 1993. He received the Chandler Award from the society in 1994. He was also active in the ND Water and Pollution Control Conference and served as its state president in 1970. He was elected as National Director for the Control Conference from 1971-1974 and served as National Secretary Treasurer from 1977-1987. In 1976, Raymond received the BEDELL Award from the Water Environment Federation in recognition of outstanding service in the industry. In 1982 he was selected as a Charter Member of the ND Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers. 

Raymond was a long-time member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, the Elks, the Jaycees, and the American Legion.

Raymond had many interests: fishing, photography, reading, NDSU Bison football, traveling, watching old westerns, and his family. He always said that the best day was spent on the water even if he didn’t catch any fish. He was a friendly, happy guy who loved to laugh and was a wonderful dad to their family of five children. His grandchildren were the loves of his life. Raymond will be remembered for his great hugs and ready smile! 

Raymond is survived by his wife Bernice, his children Rachelle and Arthur Thomson (Shaun), Rae Ann and Jim Vandrovec (Terry and Jess, Kevin and Lindsey), Ross Rolshoven (Ashley and Tyler Loveless, Carsen), Reid and Doreen Rolshoven (Lindsay and Tony Busse, Michael, Koryn). There are also 11 great-grandchildren to love: Mya, Kailey, Taylor, Ty Vandrovec; Aye, Victoria, Harris, Lorna Vandrovec; Landon Loveless; Mack and Joey Busse as well as many nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Kathryn, his son Robert, his siblings: Frieda Larson, Walter Treiber, Bernice Herner Doll, Bill Rolshoven, LeRoy Rolshoven, and great-grandchildren Breley Ann and Ledger Ray.