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Richard Raymer Obituary
Born to Samuel and Lillian Raymer, Richard demonstrated remarkable strength throughout his life, persevering through the loss of his daughter Joanne in 2006 and his beloved wife Donna four years later. Despite these profound losses, he remained a pillar of grace and fortitude for his family and community.
Richard was a proud alumnus of the Illinois College of Optometry and practiced optometry for an extraordinary 70 years. Most of his career was spent serving patients on Devon Avenue in West Rogers Park, where he built lasting relationships with those he cared for. He cherished his patients deeply and considered them an extension of his family-a bond he hoped would be remembered as part of his enduring legacy.
He is survived by his son Joel Raymer (Ana); grandchildren Andrew Raymer (Stephanie), David Raymer (Whitney), Daniel Raymer (Stephanie), and Matthew Dages (Shannon); and great-grandchildren Emily, Casey, and Benjamin.
Funeral services and interment will be private.
Shiva will be held Tuesday December 31, 1:00pm - 5:00pm at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, Illinois 60077.
Donations in Richard's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Illinois College of Optometry (www.ico.edu).
May Richard's memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ilham Shaissah
January 3, 2025
Dear Joel,
I am truly sorry to hear the news about your father. Please accept my condolences. Thinking of you and your family.
Ilham
Julie Rogers
January 1, 2025
Joanne and I worked together at Young in Heart. She was quite special. Later, when I listed condos in his building, Dick and I became friends as we talked about Joanne. Dick was quite amazing with his warmth and kindness. I feel blessed to know him. His memory will be a blessing for all of us. My condolences to all his family and friends, he had a great life full of love!
Roberta Bole
December 31, 2024
Living on one income and all of us needing glasses and later contacts I found Dr Raymer to be my hero. My children were young and I went to a chain only to have to explain that the desiigner frames were over our budget.
Dr Raymer would put out the affordable but very nice options. Cannot describe my gratitude for his many years of dedicated service . He so cared about each of us.
When I mailed him a Holiday card, he called every year to thank us. He seened as proud of my three , as if they were his own. What a rare , kind and caring man.
We were devastated when he lost his wife and daughter. Now they are all reunited. We will miss you Doc Raymer for who you were. Never to be replaced.
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Connie Burke
December 30, 2024
I didn't know Dick Raymer very long, less than ten years I think but, it was long enough to learn what a good-hearted person he was. I admired him for living life to the fullest and being a dedicated family man. He accomplished so much in life but I will mostly remember him for his kindness. He was always very kind to me and I never heard him speak ill of anyone. What a gem in today's world! I also appreciated his dry, witty sense of humor. He was such a stitch with his one-liners. I'm smiling because I think right now he would tell me to "stop being so sappy" and "you're no spring chicken so stop blathering, move on and live your life!" He was my friend and I will miss him.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. May God give you comfort and peace.
Tom Mengarelli
December 30, 2024
Dr. Rammer was one of the kindest , most gentle humans I've known. I had the honor of him taking care of my vision from 1971 when I was 13 until my early 50s after moving to Lake County. We had a unique and special relationship . The first time I ever had an examination Doc Raymer walked into the room, looked at me, and said "yuck". I liked him instantly. One of the last times I saw him he kissed my cheek and told me I was his family. I will never, ever forget him.
R.I.P. my friend. I will miss you!
Philip Bole
December 30, 2024
Dr. Raymer was a wonderful doctor. He cared for our family for decades and was indeed a member of our family. He loved his patients and treated them with love and respect. We will miss him greatly. Our condolences to his family.
Sherri Regester
December 30, 2024
Dick has been a special and very important part of my life for 58 years. Joanne, Donna, Dick and Joel became my second family, always sharing their love and inclusion.
Dick always made me laugh - he had such a wonderful and mischievous sense of humor. He was smart and engaging, and never halted in his interest and quest for learning about other places, cultures, and most importantly people.
His desire to continue his life as best as possible, with family, friends, golf, Chicago sports and work was remarkable.
But most of all when I was with Dick I always felt cared about. We shared life, and love, and loss, and he will be truly missed.
My heartfelt love and condolences go out to Joel and Ana, and to all of his grandchildren and their families. He is now with Donna, Joanne and Peter, and I have to believe that gives him great peace in his passing.
Alan Meserow
December 30, 2024
God Bless Dick and Donna and their Wonderful Family....
Nancy Brand
December 29, 2024
"My" Uncle Dick was the kindest , most caring man. My memories of visiting him and my Aunt Donna ,Joel and Joanne in Chicago every July with my parents were the highlight of my childhood. Our condolences to Joel,Ana and family. RIP Uncle Dick. I truly loved you. Love, Nancy
Diana White
December 29, 2024
Dear Joel,
I will write more later. I have just heard of your Dad's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. Love,
Diana W
Audrey and Keith Dewar
December 29, 2024
So sorry to hear of Dr. Raymer's passing. Our sincere condolences to Joel, Ana and family. We only met him once but would agree with the comments. It was a pleasure to have met him. The picture is a great reflection of who he was - very kind, cheerful and unassuming. His was a life to be celebrated. Our deepest sympathies Audrey and Keith Dewar
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8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224
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