Ray Ardeen Ose

Ray Ardeen Ose, 92, died peacefully April 29, 2026, after suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

He was born in rural Thief River Falls, MN, on February 14, 1934. After graduating from Thief River Falls High School, he attended Augsburg College, Minneapolis, as well as Concordia Moorhead, and served in the US Army.

He got his start in radio at KTRF in Grand Forks, ND, where was an announcer and ad salesman. His announcing career took him to WLOL and KTWN in the Twin Cities, as well as Minnesota Public Radio, where he was director of underwriting. His sales talent took him to Mpls St Paul Magazine as well as the Minnesota Orchestra and Twin Cities Public Television publications until he went into business (Ose and Associates) for himself, creating advertising for clients.

Ray was a fine musician, directing choirs and playing the organ for nine North Dakota and Minnesota congregations, including Immanuel Lutheran, Almelund; First Evangelical, Taylors Falls; Roseville Lutheran, Roseville; Abiding Savior Lutheran, Mounds View, and Faith Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, where he was also the parish assistant.

Ray's rural upbringing proved valuable when his ex-wife, Judy, started a market garden in Almelund, MN. He especially enjoyed seeding sweet corn with an antique planter and fixing farm equipment with son, John. Ray loved talking about books and politics. His favorite pastime in later years was a daily visit to Coffee Talk in Taylors Falls, MN, where he made many friends over coffee and conversation.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Gunhild Ose, and his siblings, Otis, June, Marjorie, Kenneth, Doris, Glenn and Eleanor and their spouses. He is survived by his son John (Sandra) Ose, ex-wife Judith Andersen (Kay Larsen), and three grandchildren, Hayden (Alex), Bryan and Noah.

A service will be held Saturday, May 30, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Maplewood. There will be a visitation at 10 am, with the service to follow at 11 am and lunch at 12 noon. The address is 2410 Stillwater Rd E, Maplewood, MN 55119.