Raymond Frisch, age 95, a lifelong resident of the Brainerd Lakes Area, passed away comforted by his family surrounding him, on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Harmony House in Brainerd.

Raymond was born August 25, 1930, in Brainerd to Laverne and Clara (Erickson) Frisch. He grew up on a farm near South Long Lake, where he developed a deep appreciation for hard work, family, and community. Education was a calling in the Frisch family — both Raymond and his sisters went on to become educators, dedicating their lives to learning and service.

Raymond attended Brainerd Community College — now Central Lakes College — and later completed his education at St. Cloud State University, earning his master's degree in education. It was during his college years that he met his future wife, Carolyn. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community.

Following honorable service in the United States Army, Raymond began what would become a remarkable 41-year career in education, 38 of those years spent teaching at Brainerd Community College, now Central Lakes College. He taught English, Humanities, and Speech until his retirement in 1995. A devoted and inspiring educator, Raymond challenged his students to think deeply and express themselves clearly. A lover of poetry, he once encouraged a group of seniors to write poems. When they protested that it was too difficult and told him to try it himself, he did — and his poem was later published nationally, a moment he cherished and students long remembered.

Raymond's excellence in teaching and service was widely recognized. He received the Outstanding Achievement Award in 1982, the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1988, and the Minnesota Community College Faculty Association Recognition Award in 1989.

Beyond the classroom, Raymond was deeply committed to his community. He volunteered with the Brainerd Public Library Board, the Crow Wing County Historical Society, the American Red Cross, and Meals on Wheels. He was named Crow Wing County Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2008 and Outstanding Senior Citizen in 2009. He took great pride in his heritage and was an active member of Sons of Norway.

A faithful and active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Raymond served in numerous capacities, including representing his area on the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the Lutheran Church Board. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life.

Raymond is survived by his children, Brian (Connie) Frisch, Brad (Beth) Frisch, and Carol "Kari" (Diane Anderson) Frisch; his grandchildren, Brandon Frisch, Brianna (Hans Schutt) Frisch, Sarah Frisch, Travis Nielsen, and Nicholas Frisch; his great-grandchildren, Arlo and Ragnar; and his sister, Mary Ann Frisch. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Shirley Lundeby. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend whose legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

Memorials are preferred to the Frisch Family Scholarship through the Central Lakes College Foundation or to the Crow Wing County Historical Society.

Join the family as they celebrate Ray's life Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday at the church and/or on Friday evening from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Nelson – Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Mission Township Cemetery.

If you are interested in a flash drive of Ray's video tribute, please reach out directly to Nelson-Doran Funeral Home.

To see a livestream of the celebration of life service on Saturday March 7, 2026, you can go to the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church's YouTube "live" channel. The recording will start 10 minutes prior to the service and will be available for viewing after the service at a later date.

https://m.youtube.com/@bethlehembrainerd/streams

This link can be used to view when copy and pasted into your browser.