RAYMOND R. SODEN

Raymond R. Soden formerly of Wood Dale Raymond R. Soden, 88, passed away Sunday, July 22, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 26, 1924, in Chicago, IL. Ray was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to the USS Claxton. Following his military service, he went to work for Illinois Bell Telephone company for 35 years until his retirement in 1982. Ray Soden dedicated his life to public service and was active in many levels of local county and state government proudly serving the citizens of DuPage County as an Illinois State Senator. Ray Soden was very active in veteran affairs and a lifelong member of Tioga Post 2149, and as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he rose through the ranks of the local state and national organization serving as the National Commander in Chief of the VFW from 1973 to 1974. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley; three children, Raylene (Dennis) Boyd. Kirk (Roxanne) Soden and Pat (Greg) Breeze; six grandchildren, Dawn (Steve) Wedll, Douglas (Michelle) Barger III, Michael (Elizabeth) Boyd, James (Jennifer) Breeze, Dianne (Peter) Pecharich and Kristy (Todd) Wyatt; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday. July 27, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Geils Funeral Home, 260 W. Irving Park Road, Wood Dale. Services will be Saturday, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private. For information, call the funeral home at 630-766-3232 or visit www.geilsfuneralhome.com.