Raymond "Ray" James Kepka

Raymond James Kepka, “Ray”, passed away August 22, 2026 at the age of 81 after a difficult struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was a husband, father, grandfather and friend who leaves behind a legacy of love.

Ray was born June 18, 1944 in Chicago, IL. His family moved to Millington, IL when he was a young child, then to Plano, IL. He graduated from Plano High School in 1963 and joined the US Army soon after. He met his loving wife Sandra (Sandi) Gregory Kepka while he was working at Plano molding the summer after high school where Sandi’s mom also worked. They were married August 14, 1965. Sandi and Ray moved to New Jersey two days after their wedding, where Ray was stationed in the Army and Sandi taught kindergarten. While in the army during the Vietnam war (from 1963-1966), Ray became a SPC 5 and was a radar operator on a Nike Hercules missile base protecting the New York harbor. Ray remained very proud of his military service throughout his life.

Ray attended both NIU and Aurora University where he studied middle management. Ray worked for many years at James Knights company and CTS in Sandwich, then Connor-Winfield Corporation in Aurora. He worked his way up to the position of a national sales manager. He retired in 2016.

Ray was a member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Sandwich for many years. He always valued family and serving others, and valued the friendship of Pastor Dave Kaul and his wife Joan. Ray was a collector of model trains and loved taking his 4 grandchildren to train shows, even building a special raised wagon for them to more easily see the displays. Ray loved learning about all things that moved including planes, trains, motorcycles, and boats. Many family vacations with Ray were taken to see air shows, aircraft and military museums, locks and dams, and locomotives. Ray earned his private pilot license at one time and enjoyed talking about planes and jets, especially with his son in law Scott. He was proud of having a chance to fly a B-17, a B-25 and of being able to fly with Scott piloting a 737. Ray was always a “tinkerer” and had various projects going in his garage and outdoors most of the time, including work on the family swimming pool. Ray enjoyed trips in the RV he and Sandi owned. He was a lifelong Cubs fan and loved going to games at Wrigley Field.

Ray was a phenomenal Dad and Grandpa. He loved children throughout his life and would do anything for them. Whenever he arrived for visits, he would almost always bring a special gift whether it be donut holes, Plano Molding tackle boxes, or a special toy (including every kind of ride-on toy imaginable when the grandchildren were young). Ray also cherished his role as Santa Claus at family gatherings and Christmas Eve church services. He was a loyal attendee at years of school events, sporting events and music concerts. He also loved animals, especially the family’s pet dogs.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Sandra (Sandi) Gregory Kepka of Sandwich; his daughter Jamie (Scott) Stoker of Elburn; his grandchildren Anna Olp, Emily Olp, Evan Olp, and Ellie Olp, step-grandchildren Emma Stoker, Ethan Stoker, Olivia Stoker, and Alyssa Stoker; and a grand dog Finn. He is also survived by his sister Violet Clauson of Roscoe, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Anna Kepka, his brothers Rick Tucek, Robert Tucek, Frank Tucek, Joe Tucek, and George Kepka. Ray is also survived by many nieces and nephews including Jason Kepka of Rockford to whom Uncle Ray was very special. Ray also became close to the caring staff at Belmont Village in Carol Stream where he lived the last months of his life.

Ray will be sorely missed by his family and friends for the special role he played in all of their lives and the love, generosity and joy he shared.

Ray’s family will hold a private graveside service, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital in honor of Ray’s love of children.

Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com