Raymond J Papesh

Raymond J. Papesh, age 88, of Wilmington passed away peacefully on November 18, 2021. Ray served in many roles during his life, including serving his country during the Korean War. He found and married his partner of 65 years, Marjorie (nee Conklin). Ray worked many jobs to make sure he could provide a good life for his family. He attended night school as an accounting major, which led him to his career in finance at the Department of Energy. He had a love for making sure his family was educated and taking the right path to be able to live the wonderful lives he had dreamed for them.

Ray enjoyed fishing, playing golf and canasta with family and friends. He also enjoyed going to sporting events. All know that he also enjoyed a spirited discussion regarding politics. He would have excelled on the debate team.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marjorie; his sister: Lillian DiBartolomeo; brother: Michael Papesh and beloved great granddaughter: Victoria Faith Loyer.

Ray is survived by his children: Brian (Deborah) Papesh of Dublin Ohio and Bethany (Samuel, Jr) Chirich of Decatur; his grandchildren: Ashley (Alexander) Place, Kathryn (Hannah) Papesh, Megan (Brandon) Loyer, Tyler Chirich; his great grandchildren: Alexander, Chase and Miles Loyer, Jaxon and Mason Place, and sister: Judith (Henry) Philbert, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Per Raymond’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

Family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, November 27, 2021 for a memorial visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Nativity Room at St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church, 706 N Broadway Street in Joliet. Following visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the church sanctuary beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow and Raymond will be laid to rest with his wife Marjorie at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Joliet.

For those wishing to attend the Mass virtually, a link is provided below.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Lightways Hospice. The family would like to personally thank the staff at Lightways Hospice for the care and comfort given not only to Ray, but to his family as well. The care they showed during our time of sorrow cannot be measured.