Raymond E. Begitschke

Raymond E. BegitschkeOf Arlington Heights Raymond E. Begitschke was born in1923 in Berwyn, IL to Paul and Virginia (nee Wenzel) Begitschke. At age 93, he died November 2, 2016 at the Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights.Occupation: Printer " Typesetter " Offset Stripper and PlatemakerRay graduated from Morton Hight School and Morton Jr. College before he served in combat with the US Army Field Artillery in Europe during WW-II, landing as part of the D-Day invasion in Normandy. He served as a radio operator/observer and then a field lineman and switchboard operator, relaying artillery fire commands and results." He was awarded 3 overseas service bars, European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 1 silver battle star, Good Conduct Medal, 90th Infantry Division Distinguished Unit Badge with Bronze Arrowhead, World War II Victory Medal, and the Bronze Star for bravery.Ray married his wonderful wife Pauline (nee Rodey) in 1949 and they raised 4 children, living briefly in Berwyn and then Carpentersville, IL. He enjoyed being a Ham Radio operator. After retirement, he learned to use Skype on his computer along with email and watched online church services in recent years. He truly loved great religious preaching and inspirational music, and would often share that enthusiasm with his family, friends, and fellow church-goers.Ray is survived by his children Raymond P. (Mary) Begitschke, Vern C. (Annette) Begitschke, Karen (Dan) Stauder and Russ (Joan) Begitschke; his grandchildren Sarah (Mino), Leah (Chris), Erich (Sarah), Scott, David and Amber; and by his great-grandchildren Malena, Serena, Anna and Conor.He was preceded in death by his wife Pauline in January of 2002; his siblings Paul (late Mildred) Begitschke and Virginia (late Carl) Newman; and by his parents.Visitation will be held Thursday, November 17, 2016 from 9:00 AM until the time of his funeral service at 12:00 PM at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, (4 blocks south of Palatine Road) Arlington Heights. Interment will be at Windridge Cemetery in Cary, IL immediately following the service.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the foundation which helps support the Lutheran Home. Please designate the Lutheran Home campus and select the Tribute Gift option at:www.lutheranlifecommunities.org/about/foundation/make-a-donation/