Raymond Perez

Raymond G. Perez, 95, of Ottawa, IL, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be Friday, September 16 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 17, at St. Columba, with Father Caster officiating. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.

Raymond was born June 8, 1927, in DePue IL, to the late Felipe and Marcus (Garabaldi) Perez. He married Mary A. Ortiz on September 23, 1950, in Ottawa at St. Columba Church.

At an early age Ray worked at Seneca Shipyards, where he had the opportunity to christen two ships. He was a World War II Army Veteran serving from 1945-1946. He also worked at the DePue Zinc Factory before moving to Ottawa in 1957. Ray worked as a laborer for Locals 911 & 393, and retired in1989. After Retirement he worked as the groundskeeper at Masinelli Field.

Ray was a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of St. Columba Church.

Ray enjoyed cheering for the Chicago Cubs and was lucky to have witnessed the 2016 World Series.  He was also an avid Chicago Bears fan. Every year he treasured his garden and made his famous hot sauce for all his family to enjoy. He loved being outdoors, you could often find him sitting outside on his porch.

He will be greatly missed by his two daughters, Monica (George) Hall, Laura (Steve) Loughridge; a daughter-in -law Lori Perez; five grandchildren, Bob Hall, Jim (Michelle) Hall, Carrie (Mike) Perez-Poundstone, Allison Perez, and Brittany (Brad Hall and Gracie) Loughridge; three great-grandchildren, Corey and Emma Hall, and Parker Poundstone, and great-grand dog Whitney (Poncho).

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary, on July 28, 2013, and his son Rick Perez on June 13, 2020, his siblings, Jesse Ribas, Felicitas Manrriquez, Roberta Salinas, Phillip Perez, and Robert Perez

Pallbearers will be Bob, Jim, and Corey Hall, Carrie and Mike Poundstone, Allison Perez and Brittany Loughridge.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Steve Loughridge, George Hall, Marsha Pikula, Emma Hall and Parker Poundstone.

Memorials may be directed to the family, St. Columba Building Fund, and Ottawa Friendship House.

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