Raymond Slack

Raymond E. Slack, 89, of Hopedale, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024 at his home.

He was born January 13, 1935 in Elkhart, IN to Charles Wilford and Anna Barbara Kalman Slack.  He first married Marie Madeline Pappas in Baltimore, MD from 1954 to 1971. He then married Linda Cox in Chicago from 1972 to 1978.  He later married Jarie Ann Stephens in 1979 in Palatine and she passed away July 21, 2023.

Surviving are his children, Brian (Kim) Slack of Reno, NV, Robin Dassinger of Chicago, IL, and Kelly Jacobsen of St. Charles, IL; step children, Amy Nelson-Stafiej and significant other, Ron James of Island Lake, IL, Lori Eshoo (Rob) of Glenview, IL, James Nelson of Hopedale, IL, Eric (Nicole) Nelson of Island Lake, IL, Cindy Brasseur of Kirkwood, MO, Darrin Peterson of Fox River Grove, IL and Larry Peterson of Jonesborough, TN; grandchildren, Sabrina, Diane, Carl, Allison and Alexander Slack, Jason Dassinger, Erin, Zachary, Joshua, and Noah Jacobsen, Brittany Stafiej, Michael (Erin) Stafiej, Hannah and Kaylee Eshoo, Jimmy Jr., TeLisa, Payton, and Taylor Nelson, Lucas, and Georgia Nelson; great grandchildren, Addison and Evan Stafiej; and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Sisters, Barbara McIntire, Marjorie Christie, and Donna Baseley; and granddaughters, Jeanine and Jennifer Dassinger.

Ray graduated from Elkhart High School and then enlisted in the United States Marines.

Before retiring, Ray was Vice President of US Life in Schaumburg.

Ray and Jarie were on the Hopedale Hospital board, and  both were very instrumental in fundraising for the Hopedale Veterans War Memorial.  He served on the board of his community housing association in Mission, TX, and many others throughout his life.

Before returning to Hopedale from Texas, they enjoyed going out dancing, playing cards and having dinners with their Valley friends.  He loved spending time with family and grandchildren, especially on family camping trips when they were younger.  He also loved helping his community and spending time in his garden and property and loved his little Miss Kitty, who remains in the family. He absolutely loved his Chicago Cubs and Bears and enjoyed watching the games with Jarie.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Orendorff Cemetery in Hopedale. A light luncheon will follow at the American Legion 24584 E. Lake Windemere Road Tremont IL 61568

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Hopedale Nursing Home 107 Tremont St. Hopedale, IL  61747

Hopedale War Memorial 107 Tremont St. Hopedale, IL  61747

Tazwell Military Rites Team, P.O Box 333, Tremont, IL 61568

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond Slack, please visit our floral store.