Raymond Bielert

CHAMPAIGN - Raymond Rubin Bielert, 88, of Champaign died peacefully at home Tuesday (April 2, 2024).

Raymond was born on Dec. 25, 1935, in Blumfield Township, Saginaw, Mich., the son of Henry and Hulda Zutz Bielert. He was the youngest of 13 children. He married Sharon Lee Logan on Dec. 18, 1958, in Champaign. She preceded him in death on Feb. 4, 2021.

He is survived by two sons, Scott Bielert of Marshall and Brad Bielert of Champaign; two grandchildren, Christopher Bielert of Urbana and Keyaira Bielert of Villa Grove; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Hildegard Adolf of Grayling, Mich., and Margaret Williams of Midland, Mich.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Michigan and Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, six brothers, four sisters and son Raymond (Robbie) Bielert Jr.

He was a hard worker. He came to Champaign and worked as a post exchange for Chanute Air Force Base, then worked for General Foods as a coffee salesman, and later worked for Petry Roofing, then started a roofing business with his oldest son, Ray Jr., from which he retired. He was a member of Roofers Local 97. He enjoyed bowling, Boy Scout outings at Camp Robert Drake, telling jokes, fishing, family and telling stories at the dinner table. He loved his mini Schnauzers and all of his wife's dog-grooming customers over the years.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Lynette Chapman will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Champaign.

Memorials may be made to his executor, Brad Bielert, to help with funeral expenses.