Raymond Kleinknecht

Raymond Kleinknecht, 83, of Jamestown, ND, died quietly on September 1, 2026, at St. Vincent's Care Center, Bismarck, ND. 
Raymond Wesley Kleinknecht was born on June 20, 1943, in Gackle, North Dakota, to Emil and Annetta (Remmich) Kleinknecht.

Ray attended school in Streeter through the eighth grade before leaving to help work on the family farm. Determined to continue his education, he later earned his GED and completed a two-year correspondence course.

On March 18, 1966, at age 22, Ray married Dorothy Tinker. Together they were blessed with four children.

Throughout his life, Ray worked in a variety of construction-related jobs, and also founded his own contracting business, Jamestown Builders. His woodworking shop became a place where his creativity and craftsmanship truly shined. He loved working with his hands and took great pride in creating special pieces that would last.  He could often be found spending hours building toys, furniture, and decorative pieces, creating treasured items for family and friends.

Music and dancing were among Ray's greatest joys. He loved old-time country western music, waltzes, and polkas. For several years, he played drums in the band The Midnight Ramblers, traveling on weekends to perform at wedding dances and community events. In later years, he continued to enjoy attending dances, where he could share a waltz or polka with many lifelong friends.

Ray also loved the open road. He enjoyed taking long drives across the country to visit relatives and friends. Family, whether near or far, was deeply important to him. He looked forward to family reunions and treasured every opportunity to reconnect and spend time with loved ones.

Known for his warm smile and generous heart, Ray believed there was good in everyone. He offered grace freely and was always willing to give people a second chance.

Ray was a dedicated and trusted member of the Alcoholics Anonymous community in Jamestown. He was proud to celebrate 54 years of sobriety, an accomplishment that inspired many and for which his family was immensely proud.

Ray was deeply devoted to his faith and was a longtime member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He rarely missed a Sunday service and found great strength and purpose in his church community. Over the years, he faithfully served on the church board and generously shared his talents through construction and improvement projects for the church. Whether through his leadership, service, or willingness to lend a helping hand, Ray's commitment to his faith was evident in the way he cared for his church and those around him.

Above all else, Ray loved his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. He never missed a birthday, milestone, or special event, always making it a priority to show his love and support. His presence, encouragement, and unwavering devotion to his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Ray is survived by his 4 children, Renae Jasmann of Jamestown, Teresa (Troy) Grothe of Bismarck, Jamie (Kim) Kleinknecht of Mandan, and Kristie (Jason) Taylor of Savannah, Georgia; 6 of his siblings, Annetta (Sarge) Schuler, Glen (Connie) Kleinknecht, Diane (Cliff) Erickson, Roger Kleinknecht, Charles Kleinknecht, and Larry (Paula) Kleinknecht; 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Annetta Kleinknecht; his stepmother, Emma; and his sister, Violet.

Ray's life was a gift to those who knew and loved him. His smile, his stories, his generosity, and his love will be deeply missed.  His journey on this earth may have come to an end, but the legacy of a life lived with faith, perseverance, forgiveness, creativity, and love will remain in the generations who follow him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ray's name to St. Paul's Methodist Church, Jamestown.

VISITATION-Monday, September 7, 2026, 5-7 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM, at Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.

FUNERAL SERVICE- Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 11 AM, St. Paul's Methodist Church, 1005 5th Ave NE, Jamestown, ND.

INTERMENT-Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 12 PM, Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown, ND.