Ray Berquist
Ray A. Berquist, 64, of rural Watford City, N.D. died at the St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, N.D., on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 25, 2011, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City. Intern Pastor Rob Favorite officiated and burial was held at Garden Cemetery northeast of Watford City. Friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences with the family on line at www.fulkersons.com
Ray Alfred Berquist was born May 5 or May 9, 1946 in Williston, N.D., the son of Carl and Dagny (Gustafson) Berquist. He was raised on the family farm, 10 miles north of Watford City and attended the Nelson Country School. As a young man, Ray migrated north to Bottineau County to work for the Pearson Brother’s farming operation. During this time, he met Linda Johnson. They married on Dec. 1, 1965, in Antler, N.D. They had two children, Toni and Greg.
In 1966, Ray started his oilfield career. They moved back to Watford City. He had great memories of working with Alfred Brown and his crew of roughnecks. In 1978, Ray and Jim Locken started L & B Hot Oil Service and ran it for 25 years. When Ray retired from the oilfield, he took off his watch and never put it back on. The next phase of Ray’s life included raising cattle with his son, Greg, driving truck, drinking coffee and hunting prairie dogs. Ray always had a story for whoever would listen at the coffee shop or on the road. The most important part of his retirement was following his grandchildren, whether it was prom, hockey or trap shooting. He could always be found at the County Fair helping his grandchildren and others with pigs and steers.
Ray is survived by his wife, Linda of 45 years; his daughter, Toni (Randie) Auen; his son, Greg (Stella) Berquist, all of rural Watford City; four grandchildren, Chaunci Auen and her fiancè, Milo Mell, Shelbi Auen and her special friend, Josh Almgren, Morgan and Cooper Berquist; his twin brother, Roy (Marlyn) Berquist of rural Watford City; two sisters, Darlene (Lee) Stevens of Watford City and Cecilia (Sam) Otteson of Minto, N.D.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, William Arden Berquist and Clarence Berquist.