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Raymond Hartwell Obituary
PEORIA - Raymond M. Hartwell, age 72, of Peoria passed away at 2:05 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016, at his residence.
Born July 8, 1943, in Appleton, Wis., he was a son to the late Edward E. and Alaine C. (Meyer) Hartwell. He married his beloved wife, Constance (Connie) J. Leach, on May 7, 1966, in Peoria.
Ray attended Richwoods High School, graduating with the class of 1961. He continued his education at Wabash College and obtained his degree in German and Russian. Ray honorably served in the United States Army Intelligence from 1965 to 1968. He attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., earning a degree in the Czech language. Ray and Connie lived there for one year. He received the Martin Kellogg award for linguistic excellence. He also served at the 511th Military Intelligence base in Fuerth, West Germany, as a German and Czech interpreter. Ray and Connie lived in Germany for 18 months, where they traveled extensively throughout Europe.
Ray worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 38 years in sales and engine marketing. He retired in 2008. In the early 1970s, Ray was the company's engine rep for South East Asia. He and his wife and children lived in Singapore for three years.
He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, and among his hobbies and interests were duplicate bridge, guitar, golf, bowling, astronomy and extensive traveling. Ray was an avid reader and loved spending time with his wife, family and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Kristina (Steve) Williams of Washington, Ill., Jennifer (Craig) Gaherty of Denver, Colo., and Cynthia (Tory) Hattan of Washington, Ill.; nine grandchildren, Stephen, Julia, Danielle, Lauren, Jacob, Laine, Levi, Brittany and Jessica; one sister, Carol Hartwell of Muncie, Ind.; and his mother-in-law, Jeanette Leach of Morton, Ill. He is also survived by many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews and a host of longtime friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, from 9 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. Franciscan Friars will officiate and burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials in Ray's memory may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences at www. wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Hartwell
Sponsored by Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria.
5 Entries
March 30, 2016
In high school I discovered that Ray was an exceptionally nice and fun person. His adult accomplishments were most impressive. I do not remember a negative thought or behavior from him. Ray will be remembered as the classic good guy who was also highly talented. Those who knew Ray were fortunate.
Beth Olmstead
March 8, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. He was someone I was always happy to run into in the neighborhood, at church, or around town. I'm glad that my girls also were able to experience his smile.
I am in awe at his experience, as the German language is one I had hoped to master and make a career with when I was in my teens.The things we learn too late. :(
Hopefully the kids will cooperate and I can swing by Wednesday morning. I pray for healing in everyone that knew and loved him.
Beth (Katzke) Olmstead
Bob Beckenbaugh
March 7, 2016
Deepest sympathy to Connie and family. We have lost a great friend, so astute and generous. Ray was a patriot, spiritual, thinking and caring for others. He deeply loved his children, so proud. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved all kinds of political emails, wisdom metaphors, ethnic wake-up call, age truisms, and anti-PC reality. How I will miss his shared observations and deep spiritual quest. He had an amazing memory, especially for dates and historical facts. Rest well my friend, send us a report now and then, your journey is certainly not complete.
Marne
March 7, 2016
Cindy and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of grieving!
Bonnie Coventry
March 7, 2016
Will always remember what a great person and friend Ray had always been. He had an infectious smile and sense of humor. He was always proud of his family and a hard worker.
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