John M. Ray, 59, of Pearson, died on April 21, of complications of colorectal cancer.
Born March 22, 1963, in Mundelein, Illinois, John was a lifelong Packers fan, though he grew up in Bears territory.
John was preceded in death by his father, Tedford and mother, Mary, and his older brother, Robert. John is survived by his sisters, Catherine (Mark) Ellison of Bethalto, IL, and Susan (Brian) Tyndall of Waukesha, WI; his nieces and nephews, Christopher (Carol) Ellison of Lynnwood, WA; Jessica (Jeff) Thomas of Aurora, CO; Katharine Tyndall of Berlin, Germany, William Tyndall of New Haven, CT, and Robert Tyndall of Milwaukee, WI, and his loving dog Maya, John is further survived by his aunts, uncles, and many cousins.
John claims that he was so cheap that he "pawned the cost of his funeral off onto his sisters" (he didn't). He was a "helluva" cook who threw a great party but "couldn't hold his pee." He was a great gardener, "especially if you like weeds." John's philosophy is that weeds should be so tall he should not have to bend over to pull them. He could never find a garage big enough for his many projects. He loved to fish and thought that few things were better than sitting around a fire, enjoying a beer with great friends Nick and DeAnne Terzo and Kurt and Robin Berendson.
A memorial service is being planned for John's hometown for some time in June.
John's family thanks Dr. Christopher Peterson and his staff for their kindness and humor while treating John's cancer. In lieu of flowers, John would appreciate memorials to the Colorectal
Cancer Alliance (
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John M. Ray, please visit our Tribute Store
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One last deer camp this past fall..
Cathy and Susan and all of your family, we were saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was very kind and always keeping an eye out for Bibs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barney and Sandy Miller, Mundelein.
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