Raymond G. Franks

Raymond Franks, 82, Grand Forks, ND, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at home. 

Raymond George Franks was born June 30, 1943 in Hallock, MN, the son of George and Rose (Goetz) Franks. He was raised and attended school in Humboldt, MN. When he was old enough Ray worked on the family farm, sometimes all through the night just to see what the neighbors would think. Later he moved in with his grandparents and worked at the KCND television station in Pembina, ND. He moved to Grand Forks and began his career as a mechanic at Rydell Chevrolet. He retired from there after 55 years but true to form he never stopped working. 

Ray was very proud of his family and always put them first. The love Ray and Jane have for each other is evident in every aspect of their lives. As his family grew to include grandchildren and great grandchildren, he immersed himself into their lives giving him a great sense of pride and joy. Ray was the type of person who would choose to repair something over buying new. He valued hard work, honesty, and the value of a mans word. Ray loved to snowmobile with family and friends. He spent as much time fixing them as he did riding them. For 32 years Ray was a member of the Eagle’s Club of East Grand Forks. 

Ray married Jane Kjos on October 18, 1964 at Sharon Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. She survives along with children, Kevin (Carolyn) Franks, Kari (Vince) Reese and Todd Franks; grandchildren, Zachary Franks, Bryanna (Logan) Reese, Kelsey (Tyler) Thorpe, Patrick (Taylor) Budge, and Katelyn Franks; great grandchildren, Kinley and Kora Thorpe, Ashtyn and Daniella Budge, River, Wilder, and Eliza Reese: siblings, Joanne Oslie and Gordon (Sara) Franks. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose. 

Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will be an hour before the service in the funeral home.