Obituary: Celester Risovi

Celester Risovi, 93, of West Fargo, ND, formerly of New Rockford, ND, died Thursday, May 14, 2020, at Lilac Homes Assisted Living Memory Care, Dilworth, Minn. Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, May 19 at St. John's Catholic Church in New Rockford. Burial was at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Fr. Reese Weber officiate the service. Heather Klocke provided special music. The honorary casket bearers were all of Celester's family and close friends.

Celester Henry Risovi was born Nov. 14, 1926, in New Rockford to Marie and Amil Risovi. He grew up in New Rockford and graduated from New Rockford Central High School in 1944.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After his discharge from military service, Celester attended the North Dakota State School of Science where he studied refrigeration and electrical. On June 30, 1949, Celester was united in marriage to Ellen Carlson at St. John's Catholic Church in New Rockford. He worked in a hardware store in New Rockford before beginning a 31-year career in the New Rockford Post Office as a part-time clerk and retiring as postmaster in 1981. Over the years he also worked for G & R Grain as a bookkeeper, as janitor at St. James School, in outdoor maintenance at the ASCS office, and finally in maintenance at the 4th Corporation.

Celester was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, New Rockford. He was also a member of the Raymond B. Thorn #30 American Legion Post, the Eagles Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He served on the New Rockford Fire Department for 35 years, including three years as fire chief, and Ambulance Service. Celester was co-founder of what evolved into the Community Ambulance Service and was its first squad leader. Celester was a Life Member of the North Dakota Firemen's Association.

He is survived by one son, Tim (Patty) Risovi of New Rockford; one daughter, Debra Meisch of West Fargo, ND; one daughter-in-law, Janice Risovi of New Rockford; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Celester was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen; his parents; two sons, David and Lester; grandson Davin Meisch; son-in-law, Conrad Meisch; two brothers Ed and Vic; and one sister Dorothy.

On-line condolences may be sent at http://www.EvansFuneralHomeND.com