Raymond & Rose Ann Plutowski Scholarship
There is something beautiful about a family working together toward a common purpose. So much of what we accomplish in life is not done alone, but side by side with the people God has given us. When I sat down with the Plutowski siblings to learn more about their parents, Raymond and Rose Ann Plutowski, I was struck by how deeply their lives reflected that truth. Faith, family, hard work, and working together were values that shaped everything they did.
Faith had been instilled in both of them from an early age. Rose Ann, the oldest of eleven children, attended high school at Mount Saint Benedict in Crookston, graduating in 1955. Raymond grew up near Warsaw, ND and, as a young boy, spent a year living with the Catholic Sisters at St. Stanislaus Parochial School so he could prepare for First Communion.
Raymond and Rose Ann made sure that all six of their children graduated from Sacred Heart. Many of Rose Ann’s siblings stayed with the family during weekdays so they could also attend Sacred Heart. Carol reflected that the virtues and morals they received there gave them a solid foundation in life.
Rose Ann was an exceptional cook and the family gathered around a large kitchen table for meals. Everyone knew you had better be home for supper. Saturdays were reserved for cleaning and Sunday was a day of rest.
The family shared many happy memories together. In the summer they often spent time traveling to and camping at different lakes. One Christmas memory was that of all of the children becoming the Nativity Scene and Rose Ann making each costume. Joan had the honor of portraying Baby Jesus, and the family Christmas cards that year featured the scene. Faith was not simply something practiced on Sundays; it was woven naturally into the fabric of everyday life.
Rose Ann considered being a wife and mother her greatest vocation. Although she worked as a cake decorator, owned her own drapery business, and spent many years working in the fall at Crystal Sugar, she chose to identify herself as a homemaker, the role she cherished most. Her children fondly remembered her caramel rolls and her famous coconut cream pies, which were favorites at parish fish fries.
Raymond spent forty-four years as an independent truck driver. Rose Ann was his partner in every sense of the word. She handled the bookkeeping as well as household duties. Their children recalled that their parents were thoughtful and economical people with an incredible work ethic. They were a project-oriented family and everyone pitched in. In fact, one of Ray’s favorite sayings was, “If we all pitch in, it’s not going to take that long.” The family recognizes the tremendous gift those lessons in hard work and cooperation became.
Raymond passed away in 2017, and Rose Ann went home to the Lord on January 19, 2026. After their mother’s passing, the family prayerfully considered how best to honor the inheritance their parents had entrusted to them. Supporting Catholic education had always been one of their parents’ priorities, and so the children decided to establish the Raymond and Rose Ann Plutowski Scholarship. Through this fund, their parents’ love for Sacred Heart and their belief in the importance of Catholic education will continue to bless students for generations to come.
Perhaps Raymond’s famous words provide the perfect invitation for all of us. “If we all pitch in, it’s not going to take that long.” Sacred Heart has always been built by generations of families working together, each doing their part to ensure that the next generation receives the same gift of faith and education they themselves received. Raymond and Rose Ann understood that truth well. We invite you to prayerfully consider joining the Plutowski family in continuing to work together to support the legacy of Sacred Heart through a gift to the Raymond and Rose Ann Plutowski Scholarship.
Raymond and Rose Ann were married on October 8, 1957, and together they were blessed with six children: Elaine Grenier, Carol Fox, Alan Plutowski, Susan Fiemann, Joan Gossell and Nancy Runyon. Their children remember their parents as a wonderful balance. Rose Ann was the steady presence of the family they could always count on, with her wisdom, strength and kindness while Ray was outgoing, and known for his great sense of humor.