John Bray
John “Mr. Jack” Robert Bray, 83, a lifelong resident of Bloomington, passed away on Oct. 2 at McLean County Nursing Home in Normal.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family memorial service will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
“Mr. Jack” was born on Jan. 6, 1932 in Bloomington, a son to Patrick G. And Sophia I. Mounce Bray. He married Mary Brummette of Sharps Chapel, Tenn. on Nov. 28, 1951 in Bloomington. She preceded him in death in 2000.
Surviving are two daughters, Judy (Jeffrey) Ekstam, Kathy (Jeff) Rodino; a son, Patrick (Sarah) Bray; grandchildren, Jason (Anna) Ekstam, Jodi (Joe) Rogers, Timothy (Amber) Babin, Kimberly Babin, Elizabeth Babin, Ethan Babin, Jeremy Babin, Mary Bray, Lily Bray, Johnny Bray; great grandchildren, Aiden Vinson, River Vinson, Zoe Babin, Logan Babin, Brynleigh Babin,Emily Rogers, Dylan Rogers; and a brother, Roy C. Bray.
In addition to his loving wife, Mary Magdalene(Lee) Brummette Bray, he was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Raymond , Wesley and Patrick, Jr.; and three sisters, Effie, Dorothy and Thelma.
In the 1950’s, “Mr. Jack” worked at the GM&O Railroad and later at Miller Park. He retired after 26 years of employment at Illinois State University in Normal.
“Mr. Jack” was a member of the 101st Airborne Infantry Division and received the National Defense Service Medal Occupation Medal.
He took great joy in his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff and friends at McLean County Nursing Home and especially to friends, John and Jeanna Brown.
Not “Goodbye”, just “see you later”. God Bless you until we meet again.
Online condolences and memories of “Mr. Jack” may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
Raymond Laschober
Raymond P. Laschober, 93, formerly of Normal, passed away at 12:30 a.m., Sep. 26 at Swedish Edmonds Hospital in Edmonds, Washington.
His funeral will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday at Epiphany Church in Normal. Visitation will be private. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal, immediately following the service.
Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Raymond was born Oct. 1, 1921 in Chicago, the son of Joseph and Marie Gabriel Laschober. He married Madelyn L. Rice on Feb. 7, 1948 in Champaign. She died on March 27, 2000.
Survivors include four daughters, Paula Laschober of Seattle, Was., Anne Laschober of Anchorage, Ark., Mary (Steven Honegger) Laschober of Bethesda, Md., and Theresa Laschober of Arlington, Was.; five sons, Stephen (May) Laschober of Trang, Thailand, Gerald Laschober of Bryson City, N.C., David Laschober of Riddle, Ore., Edward Laschober of Bloomington, and Daniel (Sandi) Laschober of Wilsonville, Ore.; 12 grandchildren, Rebecca, Zachary, Gary, Bryant, Jason, Dustin, Gabriella, Andrew, William, Phillip, Tessa and Nicole; and two great grandchildren, Aspen and Maddie.
He was preceded in death by one son, Joseph Laschober.
Ray received his B.S. degree in Geography from the University of Illinois in 1948.
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
