Raymond C. Kurth, 87, of Ottawa, died on June 30, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Sherry Stevenson, of Crossbridge Community Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Veteran’s Group Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home.
Ray was born on June 27, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI to Clarence and Mildred (Lorig) Kurth. He was a graduate of Riverside/Brookfield High School, and attended Bradley and Western University. Ray was a veteran of the US Army, and was a member of the American Legion Post 33 and the VFW. He married Georgia G. Johnston on September 2, 1967 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Ottawa. Ray worked for Caterpillar for 37 years. He loved ball room dancing, and also taught dance at Arthur Murray Dance Centers.
Ray was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. The love he had for his wife was inspirational and never faulting. He would leave complete strangers with tears in their eyes after talking about her. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with that same love and dedication. He loved the White Sox and enjoyed taking his kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews to games. He also loved watching his grandkids and great grandkids play baseball and softball, never missing a game no matter what. He was their number one fan. He also enjoyed fishing and taking anyone who wanted to go with. He loved volunteering at the Scouting Museum every week for years. He took pride in his gardens surrounding his home. Ray was an honest, dedicated, passionate man who made every achievement, no matter how small, feel like the biggest accomplishment. He left a great impact on everyone he met. He will be missed but always remembered.
He is survived by 3 children, Mick (Carol) Johnston, of Rockford, Susan (Marty) Doherty, of Groveland, IL, and Becky (Tim) Boulden, of Ottawa, 9 grandchildren, Anisa and Liam Doherty, Megan Kinsman, Kelly Monroe, Jess Monroe, Mikaela Boulden, Hillarie Welsh, Jon Ellison, and Maggie Johnston, and 9 great-grandchildren, Graesin and Jameson Doherty, Kaylee Monroe, Michael and MaKenzee Rausch, Brinlee Cooper, Grant and Natalie Welsh, and Everly Ellison.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Gerry, and two brothers Charles and Richard. Pallbearers will be Matthew Cooper, Joseph Grennan, Al Hite, Robert Hite, William Hite, Randy Hayson, and Dennis McConnaughhay.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Ray has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.