Gerald “Jerry” Walter Raske Sr., age 91 of Wonder Lake, Illinois, died Saturday, March 23, 2024, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
He was born October 2, 1932, in Chicago to Elmer and Evelyn (nee Pierce) Raske. On August 29, 1959, he married Evelyn Carol Wojciechowski at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Chicago. Evelyn passed away on January 1, 2021.
Jerry attended grade school at Goethe Grammar School in Chicago and graduated from high school at Lane Technical School in Chicago. He moved to Wonder Lake, IL in the 1950s with his family.
He was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army and served in the Korean War in the Psychological Warfare First Loudspeaker Leaflet Company.
Jerry worked many years at Fort Dearborn Lithograph Company in Chicago and retired in 1992 from Sleepeck Printing Company in Chicago as a pressman. In past few years he had moved to southern Illinois to be near his son.
Jerry was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Wonder Lake, IL; member and Past Commander of American Legion Post #491 in McHenry, IL; member of VFW Post #4600 in McHenry, IL; member of the Wonder Lake Lions Club and Lions District 1J; past member and treasurer of the Veteran’s Assistance Commission of McHenry County.
He is survived by a son Gerald W. Raske II (Tina) of St. Louis and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Evelyn Raske who died on January 1, 2021; a daughter Lynn Raske who died on June 10, 2011; a sister Evelyn Gustek; and brothers Edward Raske, Arthur Raske, Albert Raske, and Elmer Raske. Local arrangements are under the direction of Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home, Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Wonder Lake, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Wonder Lake, IL.
Interment will be immediately after Mass at Christ the King Catholic Cemetery in Wonder Lake, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Veteran’s Assistance Commission of McHenry County.
