Raymond Meseke

August 6, 1925 - December 23, 2014

Raymond August Meseke, 89, of Vandalia, Illinois, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great -grandfather passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at Fayette County Hospital after a short illness. Visitation will be held from 12:30 - 2:30 pm followed by a funeral service at 2:30 pm on Saturday, December 27, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Vandalia with Rev. Jerry Bagwell officiating.  Burial was in Fairlawn Cemetery in Vandalia.  Memorials may be directed to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Radio Mission.  Ray was born to George and Helena Meseke of Shobonier, Illinois, on August 6, 1925. He was baptized on August 23, 1925, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Augsburg, Shobonier, Illinois, where he was an active member until 1988.  He and his wife then joined Holy Cross Lutheran Church where he faithfully continued to worship. Ray was married to Janet Moeller on September 2, 1947, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Shobonier, and they were blessed with two daughters - Sharon and Diane. Until retirement, Ray was a farmer in Wilberton Township, served as President of Fayette County Farm Bureau Board, was a 24-year member of the Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation Board, serving as Chairman for 22 years and a Director of the Illinois State Soil and Water Conservation Board.  Many will remember Ray as that jolly old guy in the red suit who for over twenty years visited many Christmas parties at area schools, businesses, churches and homes.  Following retirement and moving into Vandalia, Ray drove cars to and from auctions for several auto dealerships.  His greatest pleasure was serving - he delivered Meals on Wheels and drove countless numbers of local residents to medical facilities throughout Central Illinois and St. Louis. Ray is survived by his wife; daughter, Sharon and her husband David Reed of Indianapolis; son-in-law Keith Torbeck of Vandalia; Grandchildren Matthew and wife Brenda Reed of Fishers, Indiana, Melissa DuCharme and husband Ed DuCharme of Apex, NC, Kimberly and husband Patrick Dudra of Rockmark, Georgia, Tiffany  and her husband Doug Erickson of Macomb, Illinois; Great-Grandchildren Alec and Emily DuCharme, Hannah and Hailey Reed, Anthony Dudra, Alice Rose Erickson;  Brothers and Sisters-in-law Floyd and his wife, Mildred Meseke of Vandalia, Rev. Gilbert and his wife Charlaine Meseke of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dennis and his wife Evelyn Meseke of Shobonier, George and his wife Amy of Vandalia; Alma Meseke of Vandalia; and 21 nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Diane Torbeck; brothers  Rev. Ervin Meseke, Norman Meseke, and Forrest Meseke; Sisters-in-law Irene Meseke, Arlene Meseke, Marilyn Meseke, and Beverly Meseke; and one nephew.