Raymond O. Akers

Raymond O. Akers, 66, of Lodgepole, South Dakota, passed away on August 18, 2024 at West River Health Services in Hettinger, North Dakota.

Funeral services for Raymond were held at 1:00 pm on August 24, 2024 at Grace Bible Fellowship in Bison with Pastor Phil Hahn, officiating. Burial followed at the Bison Cemetery.

Visitation was from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23, at Grace Bible Fellowship in Bison.  A family service was held at 10:00 am on Saturday morning at Grace Bible Fellowship in Bison and visitation continued until the time of the service on Saturday.

Raymond Ollie Akers was born in Hettinger, ND to Ollie and Grace (Nash) Akers on September 18, 1957. He grew up on the family farm in Cash township, south of Lodgepole, SD. Raymond attended Cash Country School through the eighth grade, then went to Bison High School where he graduated in 1976.

 Raymond married Jean Seidel in a blizzard on December 24, 1977. They then returned to Arkansas where he had been working as a surveyor at the time. In February of 1978, they moved back to South Dakota to assist his dad with the family farm. The couple had two children: Kristina, in 1980, and Deana, in 1983. Raymond eventually took over the family farm.

Raymond joined Grace Baptist Church on December 3, 1978. Through the years he served many positions such as trustee, treasurer, and most recently deacon. He had a very strong faith and trusted everything to God in the midst of many trials through the years. Most recently, his greatest trial was when he was diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma cancer in November of 2023. Raymond witnessed to hospital staff, other cancer patients during his treatments, and strangers by praying with them. He planted many seeds for Christ. With his continuing struggle with cancer, you could most likely find him listening to the Bible to help him find peace.

Through the years Raymond also served on the Cash Township Board and the Grand River Grazing Association Board.

Raymond was a jack-of-all-trades. He wore many hats, not just a farmer or rancher. He was also a mechanic, welder, carpenter, electrician, plumber and much more. His favorite role was being a father and, most of all, a grandpa. He spent many hours listening, playing, and sitting with his grandchildren. His favorite memories with them were frog hunting and fishing. The love between him and his grandkids could be seen by everyone around.

Raymond is survived by his wife, of almost 47 years, Jean; children, Kristina Akers and Deana Timroth; grandchildren, Jaylen and Stephanie Timroth, all of Lodgepole, SD; one brother, David (Kathy) Akers; in-laws, Julie (Jerry) Crockford; Jane Larson; Jim (Sally) Seidel; Joyce Jonasson; Jerry (Jennie) Seidel; Jocelyn (Roger) Richardson; Jessie (David) Christie; Jeaneane (Kevin) Heinke; Jo Renae (Harlan) Begeman; Justin (Tamara) Seidel; Juell (Renee) Seidel; and Jay Seidel; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Grace Akers; his son-in-law, Stephen Timroth; father and mother-in-law, Peter and Flora Seidel; and brothers-in-law, Basil Larson and Albert Jonasson.

     Condolences to Raymond’s family can be sent through our website at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com