Raymond Smilgius, 73, of Crystal Lake

Raymond Smilgius, 73, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2013 in Elgin. 

Ray was born on December 21, 1939 in Chicago.

Throughout his life, he was a patriotic veteran who loved his country and served as a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division in Vietnam. On August 9, 1987, he married Donna Grennan, and they lived in Tinley Park for 20 years before moving to Crystal Lake in 2008. 

Ray loved the Lord Jesus and shared the love of Christ with others. He loved to garden, and especially enjoyed butterfly gardens and his gingko tree. While raising his family in Tinley Park, he was the president of the Sharks Swim Club, head umpire for boy's baseball, a coach, a business owner, and a foster parent. He was known as a crossword puzzle enthusiast. 

He is survived by his wife, Donna; his children, Ray Jr. Smiligius, Peter Smilgius, Amy (Ed) Luczak, and Alaina (Addam) Krucek; his twelve grandchildren; his brothers, Larry and Joe Smilgius; his sister, Sylvia Urban; his nephew, Joe (Shawna) Smilgius; and his niece, Suzanne Dissette. 

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer, and his sister, Marion Dissette. 

Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 28, at Fox Valley Church, 37W073 Huntley Rd., West Dundee.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the church. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Crystal Lake.

Arrangements were entrusted to Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.querhammerandflagg.com. For more information, please call the funeral home at 815-459-1760.