Raymond Martin Kolowski

He was born on February 7, 1937 in LaSalle, IL to Martin and Marie (Adamczyk) Kolowski. He married the love of his life, Mary Weber on June 25, 1955 in Peoria. She preceded him in death on October 7, 1982. Also preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Delores Flipiak and Jeanette Weitzel, and his beloved dog Cellie.

He is survived by his four sons, Richard (Diana) Kolowski of Hanna City, Robert Kolowski of Bartonville, David (Missy) Kolowski of Peoria and Michael (Beth) Kolowski of of Elmwood; 10 grandchildren, Melissa (Jarrod) Hudson, Chris (Kate) Kolowski, Megan (Zach) Waite, Mary Kolowski, Stacy (Keith) Doubet, Nicole Kolowski, Ryan Skaggs, Luke Skaggs, Eric (Haley) Kolowski, and Bradley (Kayla) Kolowski; 14 great-grandchildren, one step-great-granddaughter, one step great-great-grandson; 2 siblings, Betty (Ken) Foster and Eugene (Barb) Kolowski; and two sisters-in-law, Lorraine Moody and Marilyn Bowlay.

Ray served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958, receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Airman First Class. Ray worked as a Mechanic with Allis-Chalmers for 14 years, then worked at Wabco for a short time and finally worked as a Crane Operator with Caterpillar Inc. for 30 years before retiring.

Ray was a past member of the U.A.W. Local 974, a member of The Journey Church in East Peoria, and a Trustee for Pleasant Grove Cemetery. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, tinkering in his shop, and spending time with his family.

A visitation will be on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 5 to 8 pm at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. A funeral service will be at 2:30 pm on Saturday, January 13, 2024 with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Hanna City.

Memorials may be made to the Logan-Trivoli Fire Protection District. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.Davison-Fulton-Bartonvillechapel.com.