Raymond Blase

Raymond A. Blase, 86, died at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at his home in Hamel, Ill.
He was born on April 8, 1925 in Worden, Ill., the son of Albert and Minnie (Renken) Blase. He married Arline Louise (Behrhorst) Blase on October 31, 1948 in Hamel. She survives.
Ray was born at home on the family farm in rural Worden. He attended St. Paul Grade School, three years at Worden High School and graduated from Edwardsville High School.
He worked the farm with his family until taking over operation of it in 1948. He and his wife farmed their whole lives and quit the dairy in 1978. They continued the grain operation until retirement in 1987. They lived on the farm until three years ago, when they moved to Hamel.
He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Michael R. (Linda) Blase, of Edwardsville, Ill., and Douglas Blase, of Hamel; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Blase, Julie Blase, and Lindsay Minor; two step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; and one sister, Alice Sievers, of Hamel.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant sisters; one brother, Norman Blase; and three brother-in-laws, Adolph Sievers, Wilbur Behrhorst, and Marvin Behrhorst.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 25 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 969 W. Frontage Road, Worden. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. at the church with the Rev. William Weedon, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, officiating.
Interment will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Hamel. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Hospice of Southern Illinois or the donor's choice.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family by visiting www.spengel-boulanger.com or by email at condolences@spengel-boulanger.com.