Ray has always been a great contributor to my library of wonderfully wacky and wonderful memories. I was one of the little actors in the old movies Ray and Tom made, and for the longest time, I believed severed hands dripping in ketchup actually were a feature that came with vehicles whose headlights flip up. Ray slept in the coffin he and Tom brought with them to our house in California for their appearance on the Gong Show, and I was very entertained by this. “Memories” and an axe destroyed my chances of sleeping in it next, I’m sure my mom would have anyhow. That same visit he taught my baby sister and I to reply to our mom, Jeanne, with a giggly “goofy gopher guts!” every time she addressed us. And I cannot listen to Taco’s rendition of “Putting on the Ritz” without hearing Tom singing along while Ray did a hand and finger dance.
Ray, your humor and laughter echo charmingly in the halls of my memories. Thank you!
Love ya!
Lori
Ray Harlan Urness
April 18, 1954 – November 11, 2026
A visitation and celebration of life for Ray Harlan Urness, 72, will be on Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Ray passed away peacefully on November 11, 2026 at his home in Blaine. Ray struggled with health issues over the last few years and it puts our minds at ease to know he is no longer suffering and is breathing easy in heaven.
Ray was born on April 18th, 1954 in Alexandria to Harlan and Jean (Trefethren) Urness. He graduated from Coon Rapids in 1972. He was the center of fun and was a loving, generous son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend.
Ray loved to make people laugh. He participated in multiple community theatre productions. He performed stand up comedy in the metro area for many years as Bob Sisle, a lovable, dimwitted, goofball. He traveled to California in the late 1970’s with his cousin Tom to perform on the Gong Show, leaving him with numerous stories to share. We would wait with antici . . . .pation for Ray to appear at our family gatherings, shouting “Ray’s here! Ray’s here!” when he arrived.
Ray was a lover of the unusual and had countless strange collections and hobbies. He gave the greatest unique gifts, usually wrapped in the Sunday comics.
Ray is survived by his mother, Jean Urness of St. Cloud; siblings Terry (Merl) Urness of Becker, Brenda (Dennis) Czech of Holdingford, Ema Hartung of St. Joseph; godchildren Karen Schmidt, Jory Urness, and Seth Hartung; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harlan in 2009, sister Linda Loucks in 2025, brother-in-law Greg Hartung in 2020, and his beloved, demonic cat Kiki of 22 years.
Ray wanted to put the “fun” in funeral, so we will be having an open house visitation/party. At 6, we will have a time to reminisce with stories and memories for anyone who would like to share. If you are comfortable, please wear bright/wacky colors or funny t-shirts to honor his fun-loving memory.
Guestbook
Since I won’t be able to attend the services, I wanted to share a few highlights that Ray and I shared. I apologize that this might be lengthy.
I met Ray 2 days before he & Tom left on their big Out West adventure that lasted a little under 4 months. Their appearance on the Gong Show won them a prize and was a wonderful memory for both of them.
Some of the memories I shared with Ray were countless family picnics, dancing with Ray at his mom & dads 25th wedding anniversary.
Watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Uptown, going to the drive in movies, going skiing at Buck Hill with some of the cousins in his (and I hope this isn’t disrespectful) in his old hearse. Oh the looks we got!
Being housemates for a few years, when I first met Kiki. Going to the State Fair with cousins & family, especially the year we wore the “Nuts” t-shirts.
NYE & Bunco parties and our quiet times.
Ray gave the best hugs. Thank you for a lifetime of memories and friendship.
Until we meet again, rest gently my friend.
Love. Always.
Steph
Services
Schedule Details
A visitation and celebration of life will be on Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud.
Ray wanted to put the “fun” in funeral, so we will be having an open house visitation/party. At 6, we will have a time to reminisce with stories and memories for anyone who would like to share. If you are comfortable, please wear bright/wacky colors or funny t-shirts to honor his fun-loving memory.