Raymond Mathew Mrachek, 85, of rural Alexander, N.D., died at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Williston, N.D., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. He was born on Feb. 23, 1939, to Mike and Evelyn Mrachek in Williston, N.D. He attended elementary school in a one room schoolhouse in Charboneau, N.D. He graduated high school in 1957 in Alexander, N.D. He graduated from North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D., and was so proud that his grandson Cayden is now attending the same college. He married his first wife Betty Mrachek and she brought five stepchildren along with her to bless this bachelor’s life. She died from cancer in 1994. He then married Anne Skedsvold at Don and Phyllis Links’ farmstead on Sept. 14, 1995, and they spent 29 years together. Anne also blessed him with two more stepchildren. He was a farmer/rancher, a bus driver, cattle artificial insemination technician and crop adjuster. He also worked at the Sitting Bull Auction for many years and looked forwards to announcing the Alexander Old Settlers Parade, which he did for over 30 years. He was a lifetime active member of the Alexanders Lions Club, and Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church. He enjoyed flowers, listening to the birds and Sunday drives after church to check crops and cattle. He enjoyed spending his time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Anne Mrachek; daughter, Robyn Heck of Sidney; stepdaughters, Cindy Schroeder of Mandan, N.D., Rayne Romo of Bainville, Carrie Torgerson of Beulah, N.D., and Michelle Maxwell of Bismarck, N.D.; stepsons, Randy Jost of Dickinson, N.D., Rocky Jost of Walla Walla, Wash., Michael Rothenheber of Fargo, N.D.; sisters, Dorothy Monger of Williston, N.D., Delores Rod of Williston, N.D., and Rose Hollan of Bismarck, N.D.; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Mrachek. Father Jacob Degele celebrated his mass of christian burial on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Williston. Interment in Alexander Cemetery followed.