Raymond H. Petter Jr.

Raymond H Petter, 90, of Forest View, passed away peacefully May 17th 2026.  He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn (Strnad) of 67 inseparable and wonderful years, son Jeff, daughter Karen  (Scott Doran), sister Sharon, 5 grandchildren  - Ariel (Johnathan Truesdell), Delaney (Brandon Freeman), Terrance (Chelci), Maison, and Caelan, 6 great grandchildren - Linda, Penelope, Oliver, Connor, Rosey, Charly. Leaving behind so many other loving family members, cherished friends and neighbors, his highest respects and praises to the coveted firefighting brotherhood he proudly served with and cared for very deeply..

He began his firefighting career as a volunteer fireman in Forest View, later taking on those duties full time.  He saw his calling in OakBrook, where he carried on those same duties but worked extremely hard to climb thru the ranks as Lieutenant and then Captain - the rank by which he retired in 1991.  An Army veteran, last served and stationed at Ft Bliss with an SGT-5 ranking. He also spent decades working as Fire and Police Commissioner, fighting hard for pension rights and fairness

During his retirement, Ray and Marilyn would travel the country in their RV (with car in tow) for over 15 years. Visiting family members, dear friends, or just venturing off to places they always wanted to see. Afterwards, they decided to give up those wheels and settle into their winter home in Naples Fl for another 15+ years. Ray absolutely loved spending time at the family cottage in Wisconsin, especially meeting up with his brother Robert there and working on projects together. Their bonding was truly a lesson to learn from

Ray nourished on the family atmosphere - holiday/birthday/anniversary gatherings, reunions, visiting friends and neighbors.  Also taking a boatload of pictures and generating many many miles of movie film - finding the need to make those memories last forever for all to enjoy and reminisce.  Was always wondering how his friends and family were doing, hoping all were doing well with their lives.  Never too shy with opening his arms or lending a hand to friends in a time of need.  He wished for everyone to enjoy life, find happiness, become successful at whatever they do.  He LOVED telling jokes.  His next love was handing out his peppermint candies to people wherever he stopped, unbelievable what a lasting impression that made. Thus becoming the 'Candy Man'

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Petter Sr and Alma (Kozak), much beloved and sorely missed son Keith, loving sister Shirley, and his best friend and brother Robert.  Visitation on Saturday May 23, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. at the Tower Home for Funerals, 4007 Joliet Avenue, Lyons, IL.   Military Honors at 5:00 p.m.  Last Bell Service at 7:00 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, Ray's favorite charities would include Zion Lutheran Church of Lyons and Brookfield Zoo. Donations would be greatly appreciated. 

OVERFLOW PARKING AVAILABLE AT ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7930 OGDEN AND ACROSS STREET FROM FUNERAL HOME IN SCHOOL LOT.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.