Ray A. Rademaker, 79 of Rantoul passed away at 4:00 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2019, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville with Rev. James T. Lehmann and Vicar Ryan Henkel officiating. Burial will follow in Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 17, in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is handling arrangements.

Ray was born June 27, 1939 in rural Ludlow the son of William and Anna Albers Rademaker. He married Judy Wolken February 14, 1970 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She survives.

Along with his wife, Judy, he is survived by a son, Ryan (Amy) Rademaker of Rural Rantoul; a daughter, Jill (Gary) Duden of Gifford; four grandchildren, Anna and Laney Duden, Hunter and Emily Rademaker; two brothers, Edwin (JoAnn) Rademaker of Oakwood and Eldon (Marilyn) Rademaker of St. Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Melvin Rademaker.

Ray graduated from Rantoul Twp. High School in 1957. He served in the United States Army 1963-65 as an MP and was stationed in Germany. Ray was a life-long farmer and always interested in conservation. He and Judy moved from the farm into Rantoul in 1998.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville and the men's Bible study group. He also served as an usher and had been a church council member. Ray enjoyed fishing, playing cards, traveling and the Chicago Cubs. He was an avid nature lover and one of things he loved most was raising different varieties of birds including pheasants and peacocks. But nothing meant more to him than spending time with his family.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville or the Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com .