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Raymond Thill Obituary

Thill Jr., Raymond R. age 75 of Aurora, passed away on December 27, 2010 after losing a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Ray was born on August 9, 1935, the son of the late Raymond, Sr. and Margaret Thill of Aurora, IL. He was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. He worked for thirty years as a commercial artist at Strathmore Printing in Geneva, IL before "retiring" and following his true love of photography. His passion led him to Lifetouch Photography in North Aurora, where he worked for thirteen more years. He could often times be found showing off his latest personal "Wildlife Collection." He also had many fond memories of his coaching years in Aurora Boys Baseball. In his spare time, Ray enjoyed golf (always chasing the elusive "45"), enduring the Chicago Cubs. Above all else, he loved and cherished his wife, family, and his faith. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Shirley; his daughter Sue (Scott) Ruddy of Oswego, IL, his sons Jim (Julia) Thill of Fort Wayne, IN, Tom (Kim)Thill of Aurora, Andrew (Chanin)Thill of Yorkville, IL, and Paul (Jen) Thill of Sugar Grove, IL; his grandchildren Benjamen and David Ruddy; Michael and Sarah Thill; Samuel and Jack Thill; Matthew, Megan, and Bryan Thill; and Thomas, Sophie, and John Thill; his sister Shirley Sandor of Aurora, IL and his brother Bill Thill of Charleston, IL. Ray is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dog Moses. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at Holy Angels Church, located at the corner of Lancaster and Hardin Avenues in Aurora. A prayer service will take place at 9:45 A.M. on Thursday at the funeral home prior to the mass. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-8 P.M. on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl. Aurora, where a liturgical wake service will be held at 7:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Provena Mercy Hospice. For further information, please call 630-897-9291 or visit our website at www.healychapel.com to sign the online guestbook. The Thill family extends its profound gratitude to Dr. Jon Doud, the Oncology staff at Provena Mercy Hospital as well as the Provena Hospice staff for their genuine compassion and loving care.

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Published by Beacon News on Dec. 28, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Thill

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Dieter Meyer

December 22, 2019

Enjoyed playing golf together in Wisconsin. I know him also when he worked at Thoe power too; co. as a modelmaker. I still miss him.

Howard Kayzar

January 16, 2011

Just heard about Ray,s passing. I worked with Ray at Strathmore and enjoyed playing golf and working with him he was a good friend. God bless you and your family. He will be missed.

January 14, 2011

Our deepest condolences to Shirley and all the Thill family.

We have great memories of our son playing baseball on Ray's team.

Sandy & Ken Ruksakiati

Roger Wolf Run G. C.

January 10, 2011

Rays Family,

A Twinkle
A Smile
A Joke
A Great Personality
Above all a Friend extraordinay

Adrienne Ludwig

January 6, 2011

One day Ray walked into the Lifetouch office with that twinkle in his eye asking me to follow him to his car. He had unearthed an old film projector for me so I could watch my family movies which had been in storage for years. An ordinary act for such an extraordinary man.

Danny and Amy Davis

January 3, 2011

Thinking of your family during this very difficult time.

Joan Weinand Wanat

January 1, 2011

To both my cousins' SHIRLEY AND "YOUNG Bill" (how I always remember you). I was very sad to hear of Ray's short illness and death! Knowing he was in Aurora always kept my dad's SMILE in this world for me. They were both such cheerful bearers of JOY! I know he must live on for you in his children and grandchildren. For me they are the joy I see in my sons, Jeremy and Nicholas, and most eerily in Eau Claire, WI in my nephew Brian. Each time his picture is posted on Facebook I CAN'T HELP but think of Ray and Dad and the cheerful dispositions they shared and radiated to all in their world! ...and I appreciate being reminded that Ray and Shirley made sure there is another "Sue" on this earth to remind us of our beautiful grandmother! Reading the notes from Ray's friends I just wish we had been able to kept in closer contact over the long and busy years. You and your families are in my prayers!

Kathleen Weinand-Neuser

December 31, 2010

Shirley and family, I will always remember my cousin Ray and his smile and wonderful personality. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Stephanie Kifowit

December 30, 2010

I will always remember Ray with a smile on his face and a camera in his hand. My life is better to have been blessed by knowing Ray for the short period that I did. Our hears and prayers are with his family.

Semper Fi Ray!
Stephanie Kifowit
USMC 1990-1994

Beth Wells/Zambito

December 30, 2010

Dear Shirley and the entire family,

Wish I could be there to lend a shoulder and hug. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Someone told me when you are really sad think of somthing that Mr. Thill did to make you laugh, remember and feel all the wonderfull memories. Its ok to grieve as long as you want. I will always remember Mr. Thills laugh, his eyes just twinkled. I am so blessed to have had memories with you all. I am so thankfull I got to talk to him , Love to you all, Beth Wells/Zambito

geri/herman wells

December 29, 2010

Shirley and family
So many unforgettable memories. So many
shared moments. So many laughs, so many tears, never to be forgotten.
we send our love, our prayers.
Our thanks for your thoughts for our Patrick - He is with Ray. OH dear !!
may JESUS and Mary keep your loved ones healthy and safe.
Love
Geri, Herman and family

Mary and Terry Klein

December 29, 2010

Shirley and the entire Thill Family,
What a shock to learn of Ray's passing! I can only imagine the grief and despair experienced over the last couple of weeks. I pray God's presence soothes your broken heart. Ray will live on in the memories of all who knew him. God be with you,

December 29, 2010

Dear Shirley and Family,
So sorry to hear about Ray.
Will keep you in my prayers.

Rosemary Underhill. Sun City, Az.

Rod & Jan Van Fleet

December 29, 2010

Dear Shirley and family, Jan and I were deeply shocked and saddened to see of Ray’s passing this past week.

It was always a joy to bump into him around town knowing I could always get a lively conversation going ending in laughs and a hand shake. I had the opportunity to interact with Ray in Aurora Boys Baseball from both dugouts and knew you could expect a hard fought contest to the finish.

I remember Ray as person of great character and integrity who’s competitiveness coupled with compassion made him a joy to be associated with. Ray was a great friend to the Leonardi family and was always a welcomed sight whether it be at the business or at family get togethers. I know my brother and sister in-law, Lou Jr. and Nancy Leonardi, especially enjoyed his friendship for many years.

Jan and I wish to extend to Shirley and the entire family our deepest sympathy for your loss. Please know that Ray’s passing will affect many who knew him at various stages of his long and productive life.

Out thoughts and prayers are with you.

December 29, 2010

Mrs Thill & Family -

Lynette and I wish to extend our sincere condolences for your loss. I feel blessed to have known Mr Thill from our days ranging back to Minor League baseball up through adulthood. I have ALWAYS respected Mr Thill for his commitment to family, his high level of integrity and his faith. Mr Thill is a WINNER ! Mr. Thill is proud today as he looks down from Heaven and views the magnificent legacy that Mrs Thill and He created - HIS WONDERFUL FAMILY. God Bless AND Thank you Ray !

Rick and Lynette Rokop

December 29, 2010

Shirley and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Have many memories of the boys baseball games. "Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are Happy" Our prayers to you all. Ray & Rita Tuma & family

Larry Shepard

December 29, 2010

Thill Family,
May God bless you and your family in your time of sorrow.

December 28, 2010

Shirley and Family- I can remember the first and last time I saw all of you. Sue was my very best friend from the time we lived on East Lake Street until we grew apart when she finally discovered she was older than I was and moved on with the "older crowd" :) I can still remember when Ray's parents lived in the closest house next to the Italian Club and all of us kids played in kickball in the street - way after dark and got out of the way when the factory let out in the afternoon. My Mom passed almost 16 years ago - I hold the memories close - you all are a part of that - May God Bless you and yours! Lori (Bennett) McGlinch

Jack & Sally Simmons

December 28, 2010

Sue,Scott and family;
We were very sorry to learn of your loss, our deepest sympathy. You are in our prayers.

Mike Hoss

December 28, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers with "aunt" Shirley and family. "uncle" Ray was such a great friend to my dad and family. May he rest in peace. Have a catch with santo and bring our cubs a world series. God bless a great man ... Mike,Kim,Addison hoss

Sharon Davis

December 28, 2010

'My heart goes out to Family and friends of Ray Thill. He was a very nice man. I will miss his HUMOR. God Bless You!!

Ruth Fish

December 28, 2010

Shirley and Family,
My prayers are with all of you at this time of loss and grief. My prayer will be that the Lord walk and guide you through this sad time in your lives. May God keep you all close to his care.

Mike Blackburn

December 28, 2010

Bill Thill. My dear Long time friend. My heartfelt condolences are extended to you and your family at this time of obvious sorrow.
-mike Blackburn

Emme Forbes

December 28, 2010

Dear Jack,
I am so so sorry about what happened to your grandpa. I will pray for you.
Love,
Emme Forbes

Kelly Alexander

December 28, 2010

Bill, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Love, BA, Kelly, Kelsey and Chloe Alexander

December 28, 2010

Ray was one of the really good guys from Pigeon Hill. Our thoughts are with the family. Dick and Ruth Willman

DAVE GURBAL

December 28, 2010

We did not know RAYMOND personally, but we were Brother Marines. To paraphrase Ronald Reagon " SOME PEOPLE WONDER ALL THEIR LIVES IF THEY'VE MADE A DIFFERANCE. THE MARINES (AND RAY THILL) NEVER HAD THAT PROBLEM." Rest in peace Brother, And guard those streets of heaven (FROM THE MARINE CORPS HYMN) till the rest of us catch up to you!WE SALUTE YOU! The Marines of I CO.3 Batt.
5th MARINES (Vietnam)

Alissa Krahenbuhl

December 28, 2010

Ray will be truly missed by all of his friends at Lifetouch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thill Family.

December 28, 2010

Dear Shirly and family.
I have known Ray since he worked at Thor and more recently played golf with him on many occasions.
His outgoing personality made him a friend to many.
He will be missed by his friends.
Our condolence and prayers are with you all.
Dieter and Karen Meyer

Kevin Korody

December 28, 2010

I was very stunned to read of Ray's passing. He was kind enough to come to my dad's funeral visitation in May. He and my dad Tom knew each other for years. My mom Janeen and I express our condolences to the Thill family.

December 28, 2010

Dear Shirley and Family, We were so saddened to learn of Ray's illness, but happy that you were all able to be together for Christmas.
Please know that all of you will be in our prayers. Ray will be greatly missed!! Fondly, Mike and Loaine McWilliams

Derrick Smith

December 28, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I treasured the time spent with Ray.

Jackie Peck

December 28, 2010

Dear Sue & Scott~
So sorry for your loss~ Thinking of you and your family during this very sad time.
Love, Steve & Jackie Peck

John McEnroe

December 28, 2010

Dear Shirley and Family,
Ray was a good man and I feel honored to have known him. He always provided model parenting and was a strong example for his kids and for their friends; and he was a great fan and coach. I'll miss him. My family will keep you in our prayers.

December 28, 2010

You'll truly be missed.
Semper Fi you old salt
R.I.P
The Gunny

Rosalie Russ

December 28, 2010

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Jeff and Mimi Steinwart

December 28, 2010

Tom, Kim, and the entire Thill Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Ray was such a great man with a wonderful sense of humor. May you be comforted at this time, and may the memories of Ray's life bring many smiles to your hearts. Our prayers are with you.

Now THIS is what I call a 'big Brother'

Bill Thill

December 28, 2010

Don and Christine Thill

December 28, 2010

Dear Shirley and family,
Our deepest love and sympathy on your loss. Ray was a wonderful man and a great friend and cousin. He was the 'big guy' I always looked up to as a kid. My father, Eugene Thill, deeply admired Ray (as did we all) and always sang his praises for everyone to hear. Prayers to you and yours.

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