Raymond B. Blum
1933 – 2023
Raymond, B. Blum 89, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday night, February 17, 2023 at Light Ways Hospice in Joliet, surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Rev. Nicolas Wilson and Deacon Mike Driscoll, officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 23 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.
Ray was born on March 22, 1933 in Joliet to Albert and Marie (Lauth) Blum. Ray married Joan Mary Johnson on August 4, 1956 at the St. Cyril Church in Joliet. He was a farmer, mechanic, and also volunteered in fire service for most of his life. Ray started in fire service in 1981 volunteering nine years for the Newark Fire Department and 34 years for Serena. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church and also attended masses at St. Theresa Church in Earlville. Ray was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Ottawa Moose, Two Cylinder Engine Club, Bureau County Engine Club, Yorkville Historical Society, Ohio Engine Club, and served as the treasurer of the Sandwich Early Day Engine Club. He was truly a jack of all trades and did many mechanical, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing projects.
He is survived by six children, Ellen (Glenn) Calvert of Hinckley, Darlene (Jim) Wiltfong of Ottawa, Michael (Lori) Peterson of Sheridan, Connie (Tim) Wiltfong of Palm Cost, FL, Cathy Blum of Lakeland, FL, and Oliver (Wendy) Blum of Ottawa; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, with wife, Joan, two sons-in-law, and four brothers, Leo, Walter, Anthony, and Leonard Blum.
Memorials may be directed to Light Ways Hospice in Joliet.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433