Ray G. Karl

Ray G. Karl

Aug. 25, 1937 - Dec. 9, 2023

DECATUR - Ray G. Karl, 86, of Decatur, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 15, 2023, at West Side Church of the Nazarene in Decatur, IL, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 12:30 p.m. up until the time of services, with Rev. Brian Hay officiating.

Ray was born on August 25, 1937, in Decatur, IL, one of six children born to Ben W. and M. Helen (Buchanan) Karl. He attended Decatur Public Schools, graduating from Lakeview High School in 1955. He was raised in the Nazarene church, attending faithfully his entire life and was a member and former board member of West Side Church of the Nazarene. His occupation was that of a meatcutter for both Tolly's Markets, and Cub Foods until retirement. He was a hard-working man, working second jobs most of his working life, first, at Wagner's Castings and later, carrying bundles of newspapers on rural mail routes for the Decatur Herald and Review. He married the love-of-his-life, Patricia Utterback on October 22, 1983. He loved her, and her family, and going to their family farm in Oblong, IL, was one of his favorite pastimes. Sadly, for all of us, Pat pre-deceased him on March 9, 2003.

His hobbies include riding motorcycles and traveling all over the U.S. with his family members and friends, making trips to Alaska, Africa, and Guatemala. In his later years, he especially liked driving around and watching the progress on any construction project or going to Arthur to various places for shopping and eating, and in providing services as a driver for his friends there. He dearly loved all family events and gatherings and loved the annual morel mushrooms feasts with this family at his house. He loved old-time gospel music. He loved his church. But he is best described as an extremely God fearing, loving, and forgiving family man. His faith in the Lord and love for the Lord was child-like, unwavering, very strong, and something he took great comfort in. He shared his faith with others regularly. He faithfully prayed, gave praise and thanks to the Lord, even during the trials and tribulations he endured in the final weeks of his mortal life.

Aside from the Lord, his family was the most important thing to him on this earth, and he loved them very much. He was blessed with three children: Doug, and twins, John and Julie, who brought him a total of five grandsons, and one granddaughter. They in turn brought him six great-grandsons and ten great-granddaughters. Whether a thousand miles away or around the corner, they all gave him great joy and he loved them all very much.

He is survived by his sister Nola (nee Karl) and husband Murrell (Hall) of Decatur; son, Doug Karl and wife Janice of Wesley Chapel, FL; son, John Karl and wife Kim of Bloomington, IL; daughter, Julie Jedlicka (nee Karl) and husband Ben of Decatur, IL; grandchildren: Matthew Jedlicka and wife Amy and their children: Katilin, Owen, and Wyatt, also Dan Jedlicka, wife Shannon and their children: Lylah, Annabelle, and Claira, all of Decatur IL; Jillian Lane, husband Adam and their children: Griffin and Dara of Viera Florida; Erick Karl, wife Rebecca and their children: Emmalyn, Emmit, and Emmry of Ankeny, IA; David Karl, wife Nikki and their children: Christian and Luke of Oswego, IL; Tyler Karl, wife Laura and their children: Gwendolyn and Eleanor of Hudson, OH; brother-in-law, Danny Utterback and wife Carlene of Dothan, AL; sister-in-law, Cindy Wilson and husband, Paul of Mooresville, NC.;

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Pat; brothers: Ralph Karl, Joe Karl and Burrel Karl; sister, Mary (nee Karl) Flitz; great-granddaughter, Ella Rose Jedlicka; father and mother-in-law: Mervin and Mary Utterback; brother-in-law, Kevin Utterback; and sister-in-law, Karen Utterback.

His favorite bible passage was Proverbs 3, verses 5 and 6 – "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and HE shall direct thy paths."

He will be greatly missed.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.