Raymond Joseph Kalebic

Raymond (Ray) Joseph Kalebic, age 91, of North Riverside, Illinois, passed away on December 11, 2025, at Loyola Hospital in Maywood, Illinois. He was born on May 25, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois.

Ray is survived by his wife, Jarmila (Drobilek) Kalebic; his son, David Ray Kalebic; his daughter, Debora (Kalebic) Wilhelm-Tozer; his grandson, Matthew Wilhelm; and his granddaughter, Kelly Wilhelm.

Ray proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Puerto Rico as a communications and electronics specialist.

Ray built his career in the trucking industry through determination and hard work, advancing from truck driver to dispatcher, and ultimately becoming a company owner and head of operations of Personalized Pick-Service, the largest unionized trucking company in Chicago at the time. He was known for treating his employees fairly and ensuring they received generous Christmas bonuses each year.

After retiring from trucking, Ray began a second career as a tour bus driver, finally retiring at the age of 85. Passengers frequently requested him as “the singing bus driver,” as Ray loved to sing and play guitar during trips. He also used his voice as a cantor at Mater Christi Catholic Church.

Throughout his life, Ray reveled in boating and water sports with his family, especially in Phelps, Wisconsin, where he owned vacation property on North Twin Lake. In recent years, Ray was an active member of three local pinochle card playing groups, valuing the friendships he formed there.

A private burial will be held at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery. A memorial mass will be held at a later date.