Virgil Raymond Nissen

Ray was born in a small hospital in Drake, North Dakota. His family moved to Minot, North Dakota soon after his birth. Ray attended school in Minot. After graduation from Minot High School in 1946, Ray enlisted in the army, along with several of his classmates. Ray completed basic training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. He served in the Army of Occupation of Japan until 1948. Ray returned home and entered Minot State Teachers’ College. As a reservist in the army, Ray was recalled to duty to serve in the Korean War in 1950. In 1952, he returned to Minot to complete his college education, graduating in 1954.

 Ray began his career as a teacher, coach, and principal in Bisbee, North Dakota until 1957. From there, he moved to Winston, Oregon where he taught social studies and coached basketball. While there, he met Rose Hickey of Hennessey, Oklahoma. Rose was teaching English in Winston. A courtship ensued and Ray and Rose were married in Hennessey on August 5, 1959. 

 Next, Ray and Rose taught in Deming, New Mexico, where their son, Bob, was born in 1960. In 1962, the Nissens moved to Oklahoma to be near family. They taught in Perry Public Schools for 24 years. Ray earned his Master’s Degree in American History from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. He coached golf and basketball at Perry High School and taught swimming lessons in Perry every summer for many years. 

 Upon retiring in 1986, Ray and Rose purchased a motorhome. They enjoyed traveling across the country for ten years. Following their motorhome years, they spent many winters at Alamo Rose Resort in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. In 2004, Ray was inducted into the Minot High School Athletic Hall of Fame to commemorate his accomplishments as a basketball player.

 Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rose; parents, Otto and Ella Callies Nissen; brothers, Irvin and Vernon; and sister, Linda. He is survived by his son, Bob and wife Vicky; grandsons, Drew and wife Elizabeth, Ben and wife Paige, and Alex; and great grandsons, Robin and Jack.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure

You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

A Celebration of Life for Ray and Rose Nissen will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024

Rosary 9:30 A.M 

Funeral Mass 10:00 A.M. 

Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church

421 North Ninth Street, Perry, Oklahoma

The family requests that donations in Ray’s memory be made to:

Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Perry

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital