Raymond J. Risor

Raymond "Ray" John Risor, 82, of O'Neill, died after a short battle with cancer on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 p.m. prayer service.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 at Faith Community Church in O'Neill. Rev. Paul Harder will officiate.

Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Raymond was born in Stuart on June 10, 1941 to Garold and Lela (Rouse) Risor. As a child, Ray's family moved to a ranch east of the Stone Windmill, north of O'Neill. His family was very religious, so they sent him to live with the minister in Butte while he attended school. He graduated from Butte High School in 1960. 

Ray married Joyce Christiansen on Dec. 4, 1961 in Burke, SD. The couple made their home in O'Neill. To this union were born two children Michael and Brenda. 

He ranched for a time, then he started working for the State of Nebraska, Department of Agriculture as an inspector until he retired. They then returned to the family farm, southeast of O'Neill.  

Ray was very proud to receive the Aksarben 100 year Nebraska Pioneer Family Farm Award in 2012.

Ray and Joyce loved to travel and go camping. They once took a three week long bus tour of the east coast and took several cruises around the United States. They also spent 16 winters in Texas as snowbirds.  

Ray collected scale model milk trucks and Husker memorabilia.  

Ray's biggest blessing was his beloved family. He enjoyed being with family and friends.

Ray was an active member of Faith Community Church in O'Neill, he was always willing to help with projects. He was also a charter member of the O'Neill Eagles Club and 30 year board member of the Holt County Weed Board Department.

Ray is survived by his wife of 61 years Joyce Risor of O'Neill; his two children Mike (Sandy) Risor of Albion and Brenda (Roger) Fahrenholz of O'Neill; six grandchildren Justin (Beth) Risor, Billi Jo (Jason Donscheski) Risor, Travis (Nikki) Holz, Barry Holz, Tiffany (Ben) Barnes, Jordan (Tatiana Taylor) Risor; 16 great-grandchildren; his sister Marilyn Brewster and friend Roger of Lincoln; several Christiansen brother and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Garold and Lela (Rouse) Risor; one sister Jan Davis; three brothers-in-law Roger Christiansen, Larry Davis and Darrell Brewster; one sister-in-law Jean Christiansen; and two nephews Jeff Armfield and Josh Christiansen.