Raymond Henry (Ray) Kroeschen

Raymond (Ray) Henry Kroeschen, formerly of Stover, died March 4, 2015, at Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon, IL. Ray was born December 17, 1917 in Glensted, a twin son of Adolph and Augusta (Nolte) Kroeschen. Ray was baptized January 4, 1918 by Rev. Kelp at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He was confirmed March 25, 1934 by Rev. Kelp at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pyrmont. On July 11, 1944 Ray married Irma Viebrock in the home of her parents with Reverend Kalm officiating.
Ray was employed at Story Smithton Quilting in Stover for 16 years. He was the local manager of Stover Skelgas until his retirement in 1978. After retirement, he drove a school bus for Stover R-1 schools for many years. Ray was an avid hunter and loved to fish. Ray was well known for his beautiful vegetable garden, which he and Irma loved to maintain and share the bounty. In the 1940's-50's Ray played on the Stover baseball team. He served on the Stover town board for many years. He was active at Christ Lutheran Church serving on the church council and as head usher.
After Ray suffered a heart attack in 2011, he and Irma moved to Mt. Vernon, IL, to be close to their son and his family. He celebrated his 97th birthday with family, still alert and able to walk on his own.
Ray is survived by his wife of 71 years, Irma; one son, Doug and wife Debbie (Merriott) of Mt. Vernon, IL; four grandchildren, Robert (Jackie) Kroeschen of Mt. Vernon, IL, Michael (Tami) Kroeschen of Normal, IL, Teresa (Wes) Schumm of Mt. Vernon, IL, Steven (Aimee) Kroeschen of Chicago, IL; eight great grandchildren, Ella and Lucy Kroeschen of Mt. Vernon, IL, Emmalee, Brayden, Alyssa, and Annabelle Kroeschen of Normal, IL, Audrey and Charlotte Schumm of Mt. Vernon, IL.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, August, Frederick, Otto, Edwin, and twin brother Robert; five sisters, Bertha Loomis, Hulda Self, Viola Richardson, Minnie Richardson, and Rosena Koester.
Funeral services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Stover, on March 7, 2015 at 3:00 PM. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 PM, also at the church. Interment will follow the service at Stover Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Christ Lutheran Church Building Fund or Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery Fund.

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