Ray Curtis, North Dakota’s Oldest World War II Veteran, Dies At 109

• Ray Curtis, North Dakota’s oldest surviving World War II veteran, died on June 21, 2026, at the age of 109.
• Curtis served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honored throughout his life for his military service and remarkable longevity.
• Just months before his death, he celebrated his 109th birthday and was recognized by state and national leaders for his lifelong dedication to his country.

 

Ray Curtis, North Dakota’s oldest surviving World War II veteran and one of the oldest living veterans in the United States, has died. He was 109. Curtis died on June 21 at Minot Lodge Senior Living in Minot, North Dakota, according to staff at the facility. His passing was also acknowledged by North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong, who praised Curtis’ lifelong service to the nation.

Born on February 11, 1917, Curtis spent five years in the U.S. Army, serving both as an enlisted soldier and later as an officer during World War II. While much of his military service took place stateside, he also served overseas and held a variety of roles, including communications officer, aircraft automatic weapons unit commander and infantry unit commander. At the time of his death, he was recognized as North Dakota’s oldest surviving World War II veteran and was believed to be among the oldest living WWII veterans in the world.

World War II veteran Ray Curtis has passed away

Just months before his death, Curtis celebrated his 109th birthday with family, friends and fellow residents at his assisted living community. The milestone was recognized across North Dakota and even in Washington, D.C., where Rep. Julie Fedorchak honored him on the House floor. The City of Minot proclaimed February 11 as “Ray Curtis Appreciation Day,” while Gov. Armstrong and other state and federal leaders thanked him for his military service and extraordinary life.

Following news of his passing, Gov. Armstrong released a statement honoring Curtis’ memory. “On Sunday, we lost North Dakota’s oldest WWII veteran, Ray Curtis of Minot,” the governor said. “It was humbling to be able to honor Ray on his 108th and 109th birthdays. On behalf of all North Dakotans, Kjersti and I offer our condolences to his family and our deepest thanks for his service.” Curtis is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. His wife, Ellen, died in 2014.

His later years

Curtis was raised on a grain farm near Columbus, North Dakota, and graduated from Minot High School in 1935. Anticipating the possibility of war, he enlisted in the Army before the attack on Pearl Harbor, expecting to serve just one year. Instead, after the United States entered World War II, his military service continued through 1945. Once discharged, he returned home, married Ellen, and spent decades farming the family’s land before the couple retired to Minot in 1983.

Even in his later years, Curtis remained remarkably active, regularly attending exercise classes, walking and participating in games with fellow residents. He often credited that active lifestyle, along with a healthy diet, for his longevity. During interviews celebrating his final birthdays, he encouraged younger generations to stay physically active and cherish family. His life spanned more than a century of American history, from the era of World War I through the nation’s 250th anniversary, leaving behind a legacy of service, resilience and patriotism.