Raymond L. Mourer

Raymond L. Mourer of Harvey, IL passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, IL.  Ray was born March 12, 1957 to Wiley “Butch” and Helen (nee Haviland) Mourer in Harvey, IL. Helen died at an early age and Wiley married Shirley Voratth who raised Raymond like her own son. Wiley was also married to Edith Hamer. Ray lived in Harvey all of his life.  He married Debra (nee Kiel) Mourer on March 31, 1978. He had three children Jason Ray (Carolyn) Mourer, Dana Marie (Charles) Frundel and Tina Louise Mourer; four grandchildren; Christopher, Eric, MaKayla, and Emma. Brother of the late Barbara (nee Mourer) Grant-Duke of TN, Beverly (nee Mourer) Berry of TN, Jamie Mourer of KY, Ellen (nee Vorrath) Sumners of Virginia, Nancy (nee Vorrath) (Ramon) McCarthy of Indiana, Jacob (Laurie) Vorrath of Virginia.  Uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Ray was retired from school district 228 where he was the groundskeeper for 30 years.  His pride was his football fields, he loved caring for all of the grounds but he most loved decorating the football fields. He was the first groundskeeper to put the school mascot and letter B in the center of the field.  Every year he tried to something new and special on the fields and infields for the kids.  He won 3 ^rd place “Field of excellence” award for the football field in the nation.  In the winter months Ray made sure the grounds were clear of snow so that the school could open on time even working while having a heart attack because the school had to open on time.  Bremen High School was his love.  Ray loved NASCAR and NHRA racing.  He loved to build model cars, trucks, and fire engines – all of which had to be detailed with doors that opened, working head and tail lights and sirens for the firetrucks.  His work on earth is now done and he can finally rest!

Visitation Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 2:00 – 8:00 P.M. with a funeral service at 4:00 P.M. at Smits, DeYoung-Vroegh Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd St. (Rt. 6/159th St.) South Holland, IL, with services conducted by Rev. Paul Strand.  Memorial contributions may be given to Bremen High School Football Boosters, 15203 Pulaski Rd., Midlothian , IL 60445