Raymond L. Borner

Raymond L. Borner, age 76, of Palos Heights, Illinois, passed away in Milton, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Ray was born in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Herbert L. and LaVerne E. (née Tangney) Borner.

Ray’s life was rooted in family. He was the beloved husband of the late Diana (née Haidet) Borner and of Joanne (née Vucasovic) Borner. He was the loving father of Jacqueline (Ryan) Cowham and Brian (Jennifer) Borner; step-father of David Kulis and the late Todd (Shari) Kulis. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Sydney, Dakota (Katelin), Mark, Grace, Kyle, Allison, Aaron, Damon, Dakota, Daeren, and Lilly. Ray was the dear brother of Gary (Lynn) Borner and Herb Borner Jr., and a loved uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Ray worked for many years as an IT operator, bringing patience, steady focus, and a quiet determination to everything he did. Even after retiring, he kept his mind sharp by following the stock market closely. As generous as he was with his time and attention, when asked what he wanted for himself, he always had the same light-hearted answer: “The winning lottery numbers!”

Outside of work, Ray was at his happiest under an open sky. He loved being outdoors—taking family road trips, hunting, fishing, golfing, and especially spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains. Wherever he went, family came first; the trips, the traditions, and the everyday moments were all about being together.

Ray’s faith was a quiet but steady foundation in his life. A lifelong Lutheran, he found joy in worship and, for a time, in singing with the church choir. His faith, his family, and the people he loved were at the center of everything he did.

Those who knew Ray will never forget his mesmerizing baby blue eyes and the kind of smile that could make anyone’s day a little better. He had the patience of a saint, a gentle presence, and a way of giving to everyone around him—often without saying much at all. His family and friends will carry with them the warmth of his love, the memories of time spent together outdoors and around the table, and the comfort of knowing that his life was well-lived and deeply loved.

Ray will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Rd., New Lenox, Illinois, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 5:30 p.m.

Interment will take place at Beverly Cemetery, Blue Island, Illinois, on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.