Funeral Services for Ray Risor, age 82' of O'Neill will be at 10:30 am on Friday, November 3, 2023 at Faith Community Church in O'Neill with Rev. Paul Harder officiating. Inurnment will be in the O'Neill Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm Prayer Service. Ray passed away after a short battle with cancer on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Raymond John Risor was born in Stuart, Nebraska 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, Nebraska while he attended school. He graduated from Butte High School in 1960.

Ray married Joyce Christiansen on December 4, 1961 in Burke, South Dakota. 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, South East 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, Brenda (Roger) Fahrenholz of O'Neill; six grandchildren, Justin (Beth) Risor, Billi Jo (Jason Donschenski) Risor, Travis (Nikki) Holz, Barry Holz, Tiffany (Ben) Barnes, Jordan (Tatiana Taylor) Risor; and was blessed with 16 great grandchildren; his sister, Marilyn Brewster and friend Roger of Lincoln, NE; several Christiansen brother and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

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