Raymond Gartke, Jr

Raymond W. Gartke, Jr.

Age 83 of Wilmington, passed away Monday July 16, 2007 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born August 22, 1923 in Chicago, Ray was a son of the late Raymond W., Sr. and Catherine (Ewertz) Gartke. He moved as a young boy with his family to the Wilmington area in 1935 and joined his family in farming that has lasted through five generations. Ray was a well known painter and decorator, as well as farmer. He was a veteran of the US Army, having served in the Philippines with the 641st Engineer Camouflage Company and earned the rank of Sergeant. Ray married Dorothy Vaira on December 11, 1943 at Camp Van Dorn in Mississippi and he was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Wilmington.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy; two daughters: Sharon (Ted) Stallard of Wilmington and Barbara Gartke of Moline. Two grandchildren: Jolynn (Roy) Sammons of Coal City and Tim (Sandi) Stallard of Wilmington. One great grandchild Rylan Stallard; three brothers: Robert, Roy and Gene; one sister Megan and three sisters-in-law: Loretta Maland of Coal City and Marie Arnold and Albina Bettendorf, both of Arizona, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Frank and one sister-in-law Dorothy.

As per the family's wishes, all services will be private.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Raymond's memory to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431 or Grace Lutheran Church, 907 Luther Drive, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington.