Raymond Kerkemeyer

Raymond “Ray” John Kerkemeyer, age 83, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Shiloh, Illinois, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on February 7, 1943, in Edwardsville, Ray was the beloved son of the late Edward and Ottilia (Straubinger) Kerkemeyer. He lived a life defined by faith, service, hard work, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Ray attended St. Boniface Catholic School and graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1962. Since then, he was a faithful member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville and a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus.

Ray honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1962-1965. His dedication to serving others continued throughout his life, whether through his community, his church, or simply by offering a helping hand to anyone in need.

On April 20, 1968, Ray married the love of his life, Mary Jane Wiechman, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Glen Carbon. Together they built a beautiful life centered on love, faith, and family, sharing fifty-eight wonderful years of marriage filled with treasured memories and traveling the world.

After many years of working as a Mechanic at Albrecht Chevrolet and Shell Oil, he retired from Conoco Phillips as an Operator. Throughout his years he earned the respect of coworkers through his strong work ethic and dedication.

He found his greatest happiness outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, tending his garden, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, Ray appreciated life's simple blessings. He possessed a warm smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and the remarkable ability to make everyone feel like a friend. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand without expecting anything in return.

Above all else, Ray's greatest joy was his family. Nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his children and grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments, sharing stories, and creating memories that will be cherished forever. He delighted in spoiling his grandchildren and took immense pride in each of them. His love, wisdom, generosity, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his siblings, Paul (Jerry) Kerkemeyer, Elmer (Margaret) Kerkemeyer, Leo Kerkemeyer, Rose Jones, and Edward Kerkemeyer.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Mary Jane Kerkemeyer of Edwardsville; his loving children, Laura (David) Caulk of Greenville, John (Aimee) Kerkemeyer of Chicago, and Jeff (Sheryl) Kerkemeyer of Moscow Mills, Missouri; his brother, Frank (Ruth) Kerkemeyer; sisters-in-law, Alice Kerkemeyer and Joan Kerkemeyer; brother-in-law, Leland Jones; and his beloved grandchildren, Ryan Belville, Kyle Belville, Shane Kerkemeyer, Madison Kerkemeyer, Jozee Kerkemeyer, and John Kerkemeyer. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness and friendship.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Irwin Chapel in Glen Carbon.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Ray's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, with Father Jeff Goeckner officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville, where military honors will be presented by the United States Army in recognition of his honorable service.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church or in the form of Masses. Contributions will be accepted at the funeral chapel or at the church.