Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Celester Risovi
Celester Risovi, age 93, of West Fargo, ND, formerly of New Rockford, ND, died Thursday, May 14, 2020, at Lilac Homes Assisted Living Memory Care, Dilworth, MN.
Celester Henry Risovi was born November 14, 1926, in New Rockford, ND, 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 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, ND; 8 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.
Visitation will be Monday, from 9:00AM – 5:00PM at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 11:00AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, New Rockford.
Burial will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford.
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He was a great man. I wish I had more time to get to know him. Dad spoke very highly of him often.
Grandpa Risovi,
Truly one of the most wise, loving, hard-working man I’ve ever known. May my amazing grandpa rest in heavenly peace alongside his first son (my dad David), second son, uncle Lester, his beautiful wife, Ellen and son-in-law as well as my cousin Davin. I love you grandpa Risovi, kiss dad for me.
Deb, you are certainly in our prayers ❤️
You have gone through some very tough times this month, first with losing Conrad, and now your dad. My heart breaks for you. Death is never easy! But do know that God is always with each of you, and will carry you through all of your pain and grief! You have many friends and we’re all here for you if you ever need a listening ear, or even just a friend!
Jody and Curt Anderson
What a great man he was the best of the best so sorry for your loss
Cel was a kind man, a great worker, and gave so much to the NR community. He was along on my first transfer as an EMT, as I was starting and he was finishing his time on CAS. I also worked with Cel and Ellen at 4th Corp. He could fix, maintain, build, clean….anything needing to be done. Cel would get it done quickly and seemingly effortlessly. A great man.
One of the very good guys! He will be missed! Prayers for him and his family!
Deb & Tim
I pray God will hold you both in the palm of his hand as you go through this time in your lives. I will always remember your Dad as a kind & gentle man. Sorry I could not be at Conrad’s or your Dad’s funeral. With no immune system, I can not risk being around groups of people. I have been keeping you close in my thoughts and my prayers