David Robert Raney

David Robert Raney, age 79, of Minneapolis, MN (formerly of Drayton, ND, Alexandria, MN, and Carlos, MN) passed away on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 after a long illness.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Shirley Delaine Bloom Raney, parents Robert and Dorothy Raney, step-mother Erma Raney, brother George Raney, and a step-brother.

He is survived by his children Carrie/Quinn (Max) Iryham and Nathaniel (Heather) Raney; grandchildren Änna (Andrew), Marina, Meghan (Alex), Logan, Aisha, Sayf, Aidan, and Sami; great-grandchildren Emma, Charles, and Charlotte; sister-in-law Elizabeth Raney, siblings Susan (David) Black, Helen Gloege, Emmogene (William) Allen, Philip Raney, Leslie (Joelle) Raney, and Dorinda (Stan) Visness; step-siblings, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family.

David was born in Drayton, ND and attended school, initially in Bowesmont, ND, later graduating from Drayton Public High School. He then attended NDSU and earned a BS degree in Agricultural Engineering. He could literally build, adapt, or fix anything, including designing a ditching machine.

He met Shirley Bloom at NDSU and they were married on June 19, 1965. They settled in Drayton after college graduation and began farming. In 1975, they moved to a house on the family farm. David farmed on and near the Red River until 1999. He grew alfalfa, barley, wheat, soybeans, sunflowers, and sugar beets. He made it through many floods, including the 1997 flood. He then worked as an Adaptive Equipment Specialist designing seating systems at the Developmental Center in Grafton, ND.

After retiring in 2013, David and Shirley moved to Alexandria, MN. David worked part-time as a Facilities/Maintenance Manager at Calvary Lutheran Church. He was thankful he could bring Shirley with him to work as he was her full-time caregiver after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. David adapted an electric bike on which he could load Shirley's wheelchair, taking her around Alexandria and later Carlos, MN, so she could enjoy the outdoors and her community. He cared for Shirley at home until her death in 2020. After being diagnosed with cancer, David moved to Minneapolis in 2022.

David enjoyed being involved in his community. He sang in cantatas and served on the Soil Conservation Board for many years. He had sheep for a time, and bailed hay. He started a recycling program in Pembina County, driving regularly to surrounding towns to pick up recyclables while Shirley visited schools to educate youth and hold recycling contests. He created a paper pellet operation and developed a wetland. He also started Vacation for a Day at his farm, hosting church, community, and school groups where they would roast hot dogs and marshmallows over bonfires, and enjoy hayrides in the pumpkin he built. David and Shirley were active in the Drayton Historical Society and, in later years, David restored a parade train. He and Shirley traveled throughout the State of ND for small town celebrations and enjoyed every minute of it.

A funeral service will be held at Yesuah's Love Heals at 627 12th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55415 on October 27th at 6:30p.m. with visitation an hour prior. Coffee and refreshments will be served afterwords for a time of visiting and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers and to honor David's love for Israel, memorials may be made out to Maoz Israel ( maozisrael.org ) Emergency War Relief Fund.