Raymond Ference

RAYMOND 'RAY' FERENCE, 87 ROCKFORD - Raymond "Ray" Ference, 87, of Rockford died at 5:02 a.m. Sunday, June 5, 2011, at Provena St. Anne Center. Born Aug. 25, 1923, in Christopher, the son of Stanley and Barbara (Filipiak) Ference. He lived 63 years in Rockford, coming here from Christopher. Married Lois Confer on March 4, 1950, in Rockford. Ray was employed as a construction maintenance supervisor for 25 years with Nicor. He was a veteran of World War II, serving the Navy on the USS Oakland as a plank owner. Member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He also belonged to the Navy Club, American Legion, VFW, Navy Memorial, and Star in East Lodge 166. Ray loved going to the ship reunions, was an avid gardener and went to the farmer's market every year. Survivors include wife, Lois; daughter, Laura Telling; sister, Virginia Cravens of Portsmouth, N.H.; brother, Eugene (Pat) Ference of Mount Vernon; grandchildren Shellie (Jeff) Johnson, Anita (Dan) Beard, Carrie Nelson and Aaron Nelson, all of Rockford; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by daughter, Debbie Nelson; sister, Stella Smith; and brother, Joseph Ference. Masonic service at 9:45 a.m. and funeral at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, at Gasparini & Oliveri Funeral Home, with Pastor Sandi Olson Decker officiating. Interment in Willwood Cemetery. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at the funeral home. Arrangements by Gasparini & Oliveri Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 707 Marchesano Drive. Leave condolences at www. gasparinioliverifuneral.net.