Raymond T. Uthe, 89, of Tuscola passed away on Saturday, Jan. 31 at his home.

Ray was born on December 29, 1936, in Blue Island, IL, to Lester and Mildred (Klein) Uthe. He married Norma Witte on December 29, 1962, in Tinley Park, IL.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Norma Uthe; son, Dale (Carrie) Uthe; and grandchildren, Brett Strache, Erin Strache, Grace Strache, Chad Strache, Scott Uthe, Andrew Uthe, and Matthew Uthe.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Sara Strache.

Ray grew up in and spent the majority of his life in Manhattan, IL, and held several jobs throughout his years there. He sold seed for Stewart’s, was a service manager at Chuck’s Sunoco for many years and was a farmer, which was the job he loved the most.

Ray was an elder at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frankfort, IL, where he and his wife Norma attended. He was also a member of the Will County Farm Bureau.

Ray retired from farming in 2008, and in 2013, he and his wife moved to rural Tuscola, IL. They joined the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tuscola and were both active in the church. Ray spent his time gardening and would give a lot of what he produced in his garden to family, friends and local food pantries.

He also loved his tractors and would often use them in the Tuscola homecoming parades. Ray was always the first to offer a helping hand when needed and held a high moral and ethical standard. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

A visitation was held Thursday, Feb. 5, at Joines Funeral Home in Villa Grove, IL. Funeral services were held the following day at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tuscola, with a short visitation held prior. Pastor Jason Braaten and Pastor Kevin Werner officiated.

Memorial donations may be made to Worship Anew or to Sara Strache Agriculture Education Scholarship.