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RAYMOND KLEES Obituary
Raymond Joseph Klees, born in the Chicago neighborhood of Roseland on Dec. 24, 1921. Beloved husband of the late Celeste R., nee Dunning, who preceded him in death by four years. Ray and Celeste were married on May 4, 1946 and were uniquely devoted to each other for 60 years; loving father of Rev. Raymond F. Klees, Robert C., Caryl C. (Stephen) Whitney and Janet M. (Michael) Brennan; cherished grandfather of Lauren (Joseph) Jacob, Sarah (Griffin) Keenan, Meredith (Fiancé Peter Carey) Whitney and Matthew, Ryan and Michael Brennan; devoted son of the late Jacob and Mary, nee Brickel, Klees; fond brother of Marion (John) Beerepoot, Adelaide (the late Bernard) Beemsterboer and the late Robert. Visitation Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m. Funeral Friday 9:15 a.m. from the Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st St., Orland Park to Our Lady of the Woods Church, 10731 W. 131st Street, Orland Park, Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. Having graduated from Pullman Tech High School in 1939, Ray attended night classes at Loyola University and worked full-time at Illinois Bell Telephone Company. He and Celeste met at Illinois Bell. Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Ray passed a college equivalency exam with the U.S. Army Air Corps and was accepted into flight school. He was awarded Pilot Wings and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in early 1943. He and his crew of 9 flew their B-17, "Charron's Ferry" in 25 combat missions over North Africa, France and Germany (8th Air Force, 96th Bomb Group, Snetterdon Heath, East Anglia, England). Ray was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters. Ray stayed with Illinois Bell for his working career and retired as a District Level Manager. He volunteered in several civic services over the years, including being a commissioner on the Orland Park Police Board. He similarly engaged multiple ministries in church service. He enjoyed swimming, golf and good friends. 708-857-7878 www.sheehyfh.com To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RAYMOND KLEES
Susan (Udelhofen) Ross
February 11, 2010
Ray Klees and my grandmother, Charlotte ("Lottie") Jostes Udelhofen, were cousins. I grew up hearing delightful stories about him; he was thought to be quite a dashing figure with a genuinely charming way about him. When I was a young adult in the early 1980s, I was working for a branch of the old Bell System at a training center in Lisle, and Ray stopped in to see me. We had a brief but pleasant visit, and he left an impression on me. I regret that the current generations of our families have not known each other, but I am glad that Ray was our relative.
julie nicholson
February 6, 2010
Dear Father Klees,
Please know you and your family are in our prayers.We think of you often.
With deep sympathy,
Julie, Randy, Ryan, Sean,Kyle and Bret Nicholson
Fr. Ron Essman
February 5, 2010
Dear Bob and family.. I send you my prayers and extend my sympathy at the loss of your Father. I will remember him at Masses this weekend. Fr.Ron Essman, St. Paul of Tarsus, Clinton Twp., Mi
Jean Kolasa
February 5, 2010
I wanted to send my regards and give you my sympathy for the loss of your father. Although I only met him asmy patient in the ER I was truly touched by him and his spirit. I meet alot of people at my work but he is one I will never forget. I could tell by his son and daughter who I meet that he was loved and surrounded by people who loved him. My prayers are with you.
Jean Kolasa
Mary Sweeney
February 4, 2010
To the Klees Family:
My sympathy to the Klees family.
I remember "Mr. Klees" as he was called, back in the IBT days, when I started my career as a service rep in the Austin Office, and Mr. Klees would visit the team there. He was always professional in his role and appearance, and nice to me as the new person. I, too, have retired as a District Manager, and thank Mr. Klees, for being an exemplary manager. He will be remembered. My prayers to all of you.
Andrew Bultas
February 4, 2010
Dear Father Klees,
My deepest sympathy to you for the loss
of your dad. I remeber how often you use to speak of him. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Andrew Bultas -Usher 8:00A.M. mass
St Cletus church.
Sally Kill
February 4, 2010
Dear Klees Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Know you find comfort that your Dad is now at peace and reunited with your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Remember all the good times you have shared.
Jerry Fleming
February 4, 2010
Dear Klees Family,
Our prayers and sympathies go to the entire Family at this time of loss. Ray's accomplishments are shown within all of you which will never be forgotten. Your Mom and Dad are singing the "Hawaiian Love Song" again in Heaven. Good Luck, Jerry Fleming
Sr. Stephanie Blaszczynski, C.R.
February 3, 2010
Dear Father Klees,
My deepest, prayerful sympathy on the dear Dad. From the obituary, I can see that he led a very full and productive life. Know that my prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Sister Stephanie, C.R. - former President of Resurrection High School
Laura Buche
February 3, 2010
Dear Klees Family,
My deepest sympathies to your family. I had the pleasure of caring for Mr. Klees in the CHF Clinic. He was an extraordinary man with so many wonderful gifts. He was truly blessed with love and family. May God bless you all with fond memories to comfort you now and always.
February 3, 2010
Lauren and family-
We are so sorry for your loss, we know you were so close to your grandpa.
Love and prayers,
Jamie and Mike Dennis
Rosemary McMahon Sue Malone
February 3, 2010
Dear Klees Family,
Plese accept our deeprst sympathies on the death of your Dad. He had a wonderful life and was a self made man with all his accomplishments. Now is the time to share all the memories. We will keep you all in our prayers.
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Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home9000 West 151st St, Orland Park, IL 60462
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