Abstract
1917-1989; North Dakota State Senate, 1957-1960, and unsuccessful candidate for the United States House of Representatives in 1954 and United States Senate in 1958
Administrative/Biographical History
Raymond G. Vendsel was born November 25, 1917, to Walter and Julia Vendsel at the farm home of his mother's sister in Stafford Township, Renville County, North Dakota. He graduated from Lansford High School in the spring of 1934. On December 1, 1940 he married Ester Bryans at Bottineau, North Dakota. Together, they had two children, Bryan and Judith. In the spring of the following year they began ranching on her parents homestead. Vendsel enlisted in the U.S. Army July 17, 1942, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. After serving his country during World War II, he was given an honorable discharge with the rank of Captain, leaving from Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, on January 13, 1946.
Politically inclined, Vendsel became a member of the North Dakota Young Democrats in 1948 and three years later he became president of that organization and was also North Dakota Committeeman for the Young Democrats. In 1954, the Democrats nominated Vendsel and P.W. Lanier as candidates for the United States House of Representatives. Although defeated in this election, Vendsel returned in 1956 to defeat Martin Stenehjem, Jr. for a seat in the North Dakota State Senate. In November 1958, Vendsel ran against William Langer for the United States Senate and was defeated. Two years later he was defeated again when he campaigned for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Shortly after the election of 1960, Vendsel was appointed to a post in the United States Department of the Interior by President John F. Kennedy, who Vendsel greatly admired.
Vendsel was also involved in other state and local organizations and committees. He was part of the advisory council of the North Dakota Stockman's Association, and chairman of the Souris River Telephone Board for many years. Vendsel was president of the Great Northern Investment Company, Renville-Bottineau Agriculture Improvement Association, Mouse River Cattleman's Association, and the Carpio Community Club. He was a member of many other organizations, such as Elks and 40 & 8. Raymond G. Vendsel died January 18, 1989, in Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Mohall, North Dakota.
