Raymond Melvin Tarvas

Ray passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026. Ray was born in Cherry, MN on January 29, 1932 to Katherine and Ole Tarvas. He spent many of his younger years living/working on family farm(s). His Parents owned two Grocery Stores in Duluth. Before Ray was old enough to work in the Stores, he spent summers on the Maki Farm, where he learned to speak Finnish, because his Grandmother did not speak any English.

Ray enlisted and served proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from December 1950 to September 1954 with an honorable discharge.

While home on leave, he encountered Mary Stewart and was mesmerized. They married on December 16, 1955 and raised their family of five children, residing at various areas before settling in Carlton, MN since 1967.

Ray was a hard working man. He and James Dahlberg co-owned the “Minute Mart” in Esko, MN where he was a popular Meat Cutter for many years. After selling the Store, he worked in Sales for Duluth Paper Specialties. Outside of his full-time work, he was always keeping busy with “projects” of his own or for others. The unique “Peter Pan” in him was always present… having fun in whatever he was doing. He radiated joy, always smiling/laughing. He was a very positive, kind, humble man with the best sense of humor. Even at 94 years young he was still very agile, keeping busy with yard work, helping around the house and enjoying time with his Grandsons, Brody and Jack (Vernon).

Back in the day, Ray loved camping, fishing, hunting, playing cards with family and friends. Never missed a Vikings football game! He loved (maybe obsessed) the deer hunting season. Prepping for the Season, those around him had no choice but to listen to the Deer Camp stories. And to add some humor, he created his own unique “hunting name” each year for the Deer Season (e.g. Pink Panther of the North, Rambuck, etc).

Ray is preceded in death by his Son (Greg), Parents (Ole and Katherine), Sister and Brother-in-law (Gail and James Dahlberg), Brother-in-Law (Charles McDonald), Mother & Father-in-Law (Curtis and Ethel Stewart) and Brother-in-Law (Donald Stewart).

Ray is survived by his loving/caring wife, Mary, his children: Ray (Kay Moe) Tarvas, Jeff (Penny) Tarvas, Diane (Chris) Norkunas, Aliza (Curt Pianalto) Vernon, his sister, Vivian McDonald and sister-in-law, Dorothy Stewart. He is also survived by his grandchildren, nephews/nieces and two cats (Abby and J.W.).

Ray will be remembered for his love, devotion and respect to Mary of 70 years, as well as an upstanding Father/Grandfather. We are ALL so blessed to have been part of his life and there will not be a day that he won’t be missed.

A family graveside service will be held at a later date.