Raymond E. Hospelhorn

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 E Hospelhorn 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.

Raymond was born on July 10, 1929 at his home on the farm in Hudson, IL. His parents were Floy and Floyd Hospelhorn. Raymond was raised in 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 four brothers, Donald, Clarence, Delmer and Edwin. 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.

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 Stan Perkey, Zane Bolen and Claire Taylor and countless others to name.

An objective and conscientious individual, Raymond reveled in the security of his family. On February 18, 1947 Raymond exchanged wedding vows with Margaret Elene Fisher at the Presbyterian Parsonage of St. Charles, Missouri. 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 four children, one son, Ron and three daughters, Linda, Jacque and Angie. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Misty, Jim, Adam, Mark, Scott, Jeff, Blythe and Merry.

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 an Electrical Contractor. He once owned a gas station then was transferred by Ralston Purina to Arizona and worked for Reynolds Metals and then started Ray Electric for over 25 years. 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 golfing, bowling, fishing, traveling and genealogy. 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. Recreational sports included bowling and golfing. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were golf.

Faith was important to Raymond. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Evangel Church for about seven years.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Raymond could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Raymond; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included the National Bible Reading Award.

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 traveling all over the world.

Raymond was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Raymond had several dogs and loved them all. They were his best friends for most of his later years.

When Raymond’s retirement finally arrived in 2000, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Sun City, AZ. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golf and bowling. In many ways, Raymond loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Raymond passed away on January 15, 2013 at Hospice, Peoria, Arizona. Raymond fought a brave battle with bone cancer and Parkinson's disease. He is survived by his children, Ron, Linda, Jacque and Angie; brother, Edwin Hospelhorn; grandchildren, Misty, Mark, Scott, Jim, Adam, Jeff, Blythe and Merry; great grandchildren, Bailey, Taylor, Xavier, Ben, Jesse, Joseph and Quinton. Services were held at Sunland Mortuary. Raymond was laid to rest at Sunland Memorial Park.

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 E Hospelhorn 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.