Raymond Jodsaas

Ray Jodsaas, 78, of Alberton, passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at his home. He was born on October 29, 1942 in Lisbon, ND to Elvin and Elizabeth Jodsaas. He was the third of four children. He liked to think of his childhood as being like Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn as he was always on the river. He graduated from Lisbon High School in 1960.
He married Donna Kimble in 1961. They would have four children together. Lola, Roxanne, John, and Rob. Their union would last for 21 years. In his younger days he did several different jobs before finding the one that he would love, and he would say that he had diesel in his veins. He was known on the CB as Wind Drifter. He started his trucking career at an early age and was still driving part-time at the time of his death. During his driving career he would own two trucks. The last one being a 1998 Freightliner Classic known as Big Bird. He would own this until 2014 when he decided it was time to quit flat bedding. That is when he went back to work part-time for Bearmouth Express. He loved working for Bryan Tripp, maybe because he taught Bryan how to drive.
He would marry the love of his life Diane, June 8, 1991. They were planning a 30th renewal for June of 2021. With her he gained two more children. Blaine and Keila. He raised them like they were his own.
In 2006 he and Diane started a new hobby. They started making wine. They called it “Bad Dogz Winery” named after their bad Jack Russell terriers Jake and Daisy. At one point they thought of getting a license and selling it. After breaking his foot in 2011 he started painting. He had painted several paintings.
He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to anyone that knew him. Yes, he could be cantankerous sometimes but that is what made us love him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, (Elvin and Elizabeth), his stepfather Virgil Wiederholt, his son John, Brother Larry, Brother-in-law Woody Clause, Uncles Bob, and Rueben and so many truck driving friends.
His is survived by his wife Diane, sister Darline Clause, Brother Lynn (Bridgette) Jodsaas, half-sisters Mellissa (Pat) Lee, Jenni (Danny) Aanenson, and half-brother Kevin (Janet) Wiederholt. His daughters Lola (John) Calhoun, Roxy (Jim) Schumacher, Keila (Rex) Balentine, Sons Rob (JoyceAnne) Jodsaas, and Blaine (Christine) Leischner. His grandchildren Heather, Ashli, Josh, Sarah, Johleen, Dyhlan, Sophie, Aiden, Gaige, and Brantley. Ten great-grandchildren and one special great-great granddaughter. And his beloved dog Clyde.
A life celebration is planned for Saturday, June 12, 2021 in Alberton.