Remembering the Life of Rafael Barragan

Rafael began his journey to the Spirit World on Friday, April 24, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

Born November 17, 1991, in Sunnyvale, California, to Anita Cavanaugh and Gustavo Barragan. The family moved back to North Dakota, where Rafael was raised, educated, worked and lived for the past 32 years of his life.

Rafael graduated from Minnewauken High School and was active in many sports and recreational activities throughout his life. He pursued higher education, earning an Associate of Arts Degree and Carpentry Certificates at Cankdeska Cikana Community College, and brought his talents and skills to the job market. He lived in California and Minnesota, using his work experience and knowledge.

He life encompassed a spectrum of opportunities, educational endeavors, cultural events, social justice activities, and travel. He was humble and respectful to anyone he met in life. Rafael had many hobbies and interests throughout his life.

Rafael was passionate about life and family. He enjoyed conversations with family and friends on sports, spirituality, and other topics. He was intelligent, intuitive, and analytical, always questioning and ready for a debate.

He was helped by many in his final hours to make a safe transition to be with God and relatives. Rafael will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives he touched throughout his lifetime. Rafael will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives he touched throughout his lifetime. Rafael is now free from all life challenges and will be remembered forever in the hearts of family and friend.

Rafael was greeted by his grandfathers, Benjamin and Jan; grandmothers, Stella and Grace; brother Benjamin Barragan; uncles Rodney and Joseph; great-grandfather, and relatives.

He is survived by his father Gustavo Barragan, mother Anita Cavanaugh; brother Xavier Barragan; nieces Rosalina, Cecilia, and Zalea; nephews Alejandro and Ernesto; uncles Patrick, Justin, Raul, Juan, and Rafael; aunts Wicahpi, Astel, Irma, Eva, Rosa, Gloria, Maria, Rita, Soleda, and Sylvia; and adopted daughter Abbey.

The family extends their appreciation to the HIA Hospice care nurses, St. Paul Regional Hospital, ministers, family members, Spirit Lake Ambulance, Spirit Lake Police Department and Care Medical.

Pallbearers will be Patrick B. Cavanaugh, Myron Jones, Jamie Burdick, Joseph Robertson, Phillip J. Lohnes, Ethen Lohnes, and Joshua Lohnes.

Honorary Bearers: All of Rafael’s relatives and friends. Lisa Burdick, Crystal McKay and daughter, Annalisa Cavanaugh, Mildred Hill, Melanie Hill, Theresa Hill, Bernadine Littlewind, Larry and Darla Thiele, Arliss Krulish, Carol Jean Cavanaugh, Darlene Wadsworth, Myra Dubois, Wanda Thomas, Valerie Yankton, Amarette Eastman, Father Meyers, Kathy Palbert, Pastor Fred and Sonya Carroll, Wendy Locke, Lorna Brownshield, Sadie Charboneau, Emerald Robertson, Sheila Blueshield, Millie McKay, Delphine and Al Longie, Leah Spotted Elk, Catherine Howard, and Carolyn Cavanaugh.

All Drum Groups and Singers are welcome to share their music in memory of Rafael. 

The Wake for Rafael will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Fort Totten, ND beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 6:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. also at Seven Dolors Catholic Church with burial in the Cavanaugh Family Cemetery in rural St. Michael, ND.