Raymond A. Papeck Jr.

On the evening of Thursday, February 19, 2026, Raymond Andrew Papeck Jr., 76 years old, had his final last call with his daughter by his side. Over the past four months he fought hard to overcome many medical challenges and wanted nothing more than to get stronger and back to his routine or program as he liked to call it. His mind had many more years left to live, but sadly his body had run out of time.

Ray, Ray Ray, Pappy, Butch, or Junior were just a few of the names he was given by those who knew him. Ray was the second son born to Raymond A. Papeck Sr. and Armella (Brzezinski) Papeck on Mothers day, May 8, 1949. Ray was your typical city boy, growing up and exploring the northside of Chicago, doing his best to stay out of trouble or at least not get caught! When Ray was 19, he was drafted into the Vietnam War where he served as a Seaman for the U.S. Navy for 4 years. Ray made friends wherever he went. An Admiral took a liking to him and Ray spent most of his time exploring the Mediterranean Sea where he got to see Italy and Greece. Once Ray's assignment was over, he returned back to Chicago and got a job being a prison guard for a handful of years before settling in with the Publics Works Department of the Village of Hoffman Estates, where he retired in 2009 after 24 years of service.

Ray made it down the isle three times. He married his first wife Judy in 1976 with whom he had his one and only child with, his daughter Amber. He married his second wife, Karen in 1983 and although their time together was short, he made some life long friends along the way. He then married his 3rd wife Lousie "Lou" in 1989. They spent a touch over 20 years together before going their separate ways. Ray was a proud stepfather to Jacki, Joe, and Jason Murray and later became a step-grandfather to Travis. As time went on Ray spent a great amount of time with his friend Michele just enjoying life together. Whether they lived near or far, they always began and ended their days with a quick text to say good morning and good night.

Ray was a simple man who enjoyed his coffee, miller lite, a pack of Salems, an occasionally Coke, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, dots pretezels, and his sweets. Ray loved the outdoors and worshiped the hot summer sun! He enjoyed playing softball, bowling, fishing with his cousins and friends in Wisconsin, and taking yearly trips to Florida. Ray was an avid sports fan who loved his Chicago Cubs & Minnesota Vikings! He loved watching his game shows, "The Price Is Right" & "Let's Make A Deal." He was always finding something to organize or clean as he hated sitting in one place for too long. On most days you would find Ray hanging out with his friends at Cousin's Pizza Pub, enjoying bachlorhood with his good friend Eddie in their "Man Cave," jamming to country music or watching some sporting event. Ray also enjoyed spending time with his daughter, son-in-law, & grandsons while taking in the views, sounds, & smells of country living, while spoiling his grandpuppy, Hahnz, with way too many cookies!

Ray was a great friend who was always willing to lend a hand. He was definitely loved by many and brought joy and laughter wherever he went. Even on his toughest days spent in the hosital he still found a way to make himself and those around him smile and laugh while cracking jokes with the doctors and flirting with the nurses. His final words of advice were to "Have fun, because that's what life should be about. You are going to have good days and bad. Don't let the bad days define you. Learn from them and move on and enjoy your life."

Ray is survived by his daughter Amber Wittke, son-in-law Chad Wittke, and his two grandsons Cole & Camden Wittke, his sister Darlene "Sissy" Joyce & brother-in-law Bob Andrews, his brother Bob & sister-in-law Bobbie Papeck, his nephews Steve (Katie) Joyce, Kevin Joyce, Ryan (Nicole) Papeck, and his niece Kimberly (James) Dziedziejko. Along with his many great nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins, and his many friends including his good friends Eddie & Michele.

Ray is preceded in death by his father Raymond Papeck Sr., his mother Armella (Brzezinski) Papeck, & his brother Dennis Papeck.

Ray has requested that there not be a formal wake and to have a party in his honor instead! Arrangements are being made for a Celebration of Life to be held on Ray's 1st heavenly birthday for his family & close friends. Ray has requested that he be cremeted. He will be laid to rest at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.