Raymond B. Wunderlich

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Raymond B. Wunderlich who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Raymond was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Raymond knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were Carle and Libby Wunderlich. Raymond was raised in Columbus, Ohio and Oakbrook, Illinois. Even as a youngster, Raymond learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Raymond was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Raymond was raised with five siblings. He had an older brother and sister, Lynne and Carle and two younger sisters Karen and Denise. Raymond had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Raymond, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Raymond's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Raymond enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Raymond took part in wrestling. In his spare time he liked race cars, and he liked going on fishing trips, and was fascinated by astronauts and the race to the moon.

In school, Raymond was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Raymond was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Raymond’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Montini High School in 1973. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. In High School, Ray was involved in wrestling, yearbook, and enjoyed a senior trip to London.

Raymond’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Raymond’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Raymond saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his Bachelors.

Raymond was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Raymond was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Raymond came to expect his high standards of performance. Later in life, he became friends with Jon Jeschke, Greg Rautz, Bill Brownson, Peter Ambrose, and Bill Naffaiger.

An objective and conscientious individual, Raymond reveled in the security of his family. On July 8, 1978 Raymond exchanged wedding vows with Maureen Marie Davis at the St. Vincent DePaul of Peoria, Illinois. One of Raymond’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Raymond was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Raymond would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Raymond was blessed with three children, one daugther, Cara and two sons, Greg Daniel.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Raymond was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Raymond was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Raymond upheld his standards. His primary occupation was sales. He was employed for 20 years at Duggan and Brown. Raymond was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Raymond approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were watching his son, Greg play fooftball, deep seafishing with Daniel, playing golf, enjoying the sand beaches at Sandestin, and he loved the Indy too. Raymond was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Raymond to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Indy 500, golf, the Bears and the Bulls in their heyday!

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Raymond used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Raymond had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Sandestin, Florida.

Raymond was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Raymond’s favorites was Jazz, Peaches and Boogek, the family cats.

Raymond passed away on November 27, 2010 at at home. Of natural causes. He is survived by his children, Cara, Greg and Daniel, his brother Carle, and sisters, Karen and Denise. Memorial Visitation, Tuesday, November 30, 2010, from 5:00 p. m, until time of Memorial Service, at 7p.m, at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave.,(1/2 mile south of Ogden Ave. Rt. 34), Lisle, Illinois.

All who knew him would agree that Raymond was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Raymond B. Wunderlich did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.