Ray George Stein

1937 - 2025

Ray George Stein

July 30, 1937 - November 13, 2025

DEVILS LAKE - Raymond Stein, 88, of Devils Lake, died November 13, 2025, at Edgewood Vista, East Grand Forks, Minn.

Ray George Stein was born on July 30, 1937, in Bismarck, N.D., to Anton and Minnie (Zentner) Stein. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and St. Mary's Central High School. Ray began his athletic career in elementary school competing in citywide marble tournaments. He was the 7th grade citywide marble champion in 1948 and went on to compete against high schoolers who were several years older than him. Ray played both football and basketball while in high school.

In 1955, Ray's high school football team lost the state championship game to Fargo 7-6. Ray scored his team's only touchdown. On the court, Ray averaged 17 points per game his senior year and was among five players named to the Associated Press All-State Class A High School basketball team for 1956. Ray was rated "the best player we saw all year" by North Dakota sportswriters and sportscasters. Ray went on to play football and basketball at Minot State University, Minot, N.D.

While in high school Ray met Shirley Tatley. They were married in Bismarck, N.D., on February 13, 1961. Ray worked at Milton Oil Company in Springfield, Mo., until they decided to return to N.D. to be closer to family. Ray began his teaching career at Surrey High School in Surrey, N.D., where he was also the head basketball coach. After three years in Surrey they moved to Beulah, N.D., where Ray taught at Beulah High School. He was the assistant coach for the varsity team as well as the head coach for the "B" squad and Cub basketball teams. After one year in Beulah, Ray accepted a position teaching office education and accounting classes in the fall of 1968 at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, N.D. While at LRSC, Ray served as president of the faculty senate and was instrumental in securing the college's future when it was in danger of being closed in the 1980s. Ray was selected as LRSC's teacher of the year in 1995. After a 28-year career, Ray retired from teaching in 1996. His retirement was short-lived when he returned as a substitute teacher for one year while a former colleague was on medical leave.

Ray is survived by his children: Bryan, Horace, N.D., Stacey (Scott) Schuler, San Antonio, Texas, Jill (Bill) Kvasager, Grand Forks, and Steve (Stacie Reierson), Devils Lake, N.D.; grandchildren: Ethan (Faithe), Owen, Ashton, Casey (Hannah), Callie (Juan), and Megan (Dan); several great-grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, in 2017; his parents; his mother-and father-in-law, Harry and Cecilia Tatley; and his brothers, Richard, Joseph, and Mark.

Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a Rosary, Scripture service and time of remembrance at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake, with burial in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Lake Region State College Foundation or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake in memory of Ray.