Raymond J. Knieriem

Raymond John Knieriem departed this world to enter his Heavenly Kingdom on September 18th to be with his wife Jeanette. Raymond leaves behind three caring children Rodney Lee (Joyce), Janice Fischer (Edward), and James Bruce ( faithful companion Deborah). Ray was blessed to have grandchildren that he loved and adored all in his own way, Jennifer Helen, Laura Jean, Eric William, Eric Lee, David Anthony, Jacqueline Elizabeth, Paige Rae (deceased), Rebekah James, and four great grandchildren, Colton, Zoe, Jenna, and Evan.

Raymond was born and raised in Orland Township on a farm and never left the area. He moved to Mokena early in his life and he and his family made that their home. Ray farmed, worked construction building many homes in Mokena, New Lenox, and surrounding areas. Ray was also a ring man for Strassenburg auction company for over 30 years. He retired from constrution to go to work for Mokena Public Works department. At 70 he took on the role of a part-time worker at Silver Lake Golf Club until he was 94 years old. He drove a tractor and mowed roughs and fairways . It made him happy and often said that Silver Lake was his family's farm before it became a golf course.

Ray was a volunteer fireman for Mokena, a member of the Mokena Lions Club (he loved their fruit cakes), a member at St. John's United Church of Christ serving on many boards and committees to the end. Ray was a familiar face around Mokena from the bank to Berkot's Supermarket. He loved the library where he was always helped picking out romance novels, and the park district where he exercised and walked 3 times a week until he was 95 years old. Mokena made Ray a better man and if you had the privilege to know him you would be greeted by a handshake of a hug.
Memorials may be made to the St. John's memorial fund.

A Memorial Service will be November 10th at 11:00 am at St. John's United Church of Christ, 11100 Second Street, Mokena, Il. 60448
All are welcome to com and share memories of Ray. A life well lived.