LENA - Ray E. Stamm, 89, of Lena passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at the Presence St. Joseph Center in Freeport, IL. He was born on December 18, 1927, to Elmer and Esther (Schulz) Stamm in McConnell. He attended elementary school in McConnell and graduated from Winslow High School in 1945. After graduation, Ray drove a school bus for 4 years and worked for Leland Crandall. In 1945, he established his own trucking business. Ray partnered with Fred Fogel of Lena in 1947 to start a rock phosphate business. This was expanded in 1950 to include the sale of barn cleaners, silo unloaders, feeding equipment, silos, and the construction and remodeling of farm buildings and barns. Ray and Fred built a warehouse for the Walnut Grove Feed Company. In 1961, Ray joined in partnership with Paul Lobdell to establish a fertilizer business that included the sale and spreading of liquid and dry fertilizers. After 45 years, Ray sold his business in 1988 to his son and daughter-in-law. The new business became Stamm Farm Systems, Inc.
Ray was a member of Winslow Town Board, Gun Club, Paradise Cove Water Wheel Club, Lions Club (Charter), Boy Scouts (Charter Leader), Masonic Lodge and Consistory (30 years). He was a member of the Freeport YMCA for 23 years and the Lena Community Card Club for over 50 years. He served as a Director at the Citizens State Bank of Lena for 33 years before retiring in 1998. Ray was an avid sportsman that fished and hunted in Canada and several states. Ray belonged to a Wyoming hunting group for 25 years and a Montana hunting club. He was a lifetime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (formerly Amity) in Lena. He served on the church council and many other committees, including the property committee for 25 years.
Ray married Betty Hughes in October 8, 1949 at Amity Lutheran Church and they celebrated 56 years of marriage. They were worldwide travelers that enjoyed spending their winters in Ocala, FL. Ray loved God, his family, and country. He and his wife were active community supporters. Their legacies include the Highland Community College "Ray and Betty Stamm Health Science Nursing Wing", HCC Continuing Education Lifelong Learning Program, and HCC Scholarship Fund.
Ray was survived by his son; Jeffrey (Connie) of Lena, one daughter; Cali R. (Larry) Lelle of Arlington Heights, IL. four grandchildren; Carrie (Dr. Dan) Jones of Platteville, WI, Blaine (Annie) Stamm of Lena, Jamie (Josh) Hagenow of Verona, WI and Valerie Lelle (PA-C) of Balfate, Honduras, two great granddaughters; Adilynn Jones of Platteville, WI and Madasyn Stamm of Lena, and one brother-in-law; Harry Hughes of Lena.
Ray was preceded in death by his; wife, parents, brother; Wayne, three half brothers; Merl, Milford and Glen and two half sisters; Iva Lee and Gladys Rosenstiel.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 10:30 am at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lena, IL
Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Leamon Funeral Home, Lena, IL.
Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, IL followed by a luncheon the church.
The Stamm and Lelle Families would like to sincerely thank the Presence St. Joseph staff for the exceptional, loving care of their dad.
A memorial has been established in his name.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.
Ray was a member of Winslow Town Board, Gun Club, Paradise Cove Water Wheel Club, Lions Club (Charter), Boy Scouts (Charter Leader), Masonic Lodge and Consistory (30 years). He was a member of the Freeport YMCA for 23 years and the Lena Community Card Club for over 50 years. He served as a Director at the Citizens State Bank of Lena for 33 years before retiring in 1998. Ray was an avid sportsman that fished and hunted in Canada and several states. Ray belonged to a Wyoming hunting group for 25 years and a Montana hunting club. He was a lifetime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (formerly Amity) in Lena. He served on the church council and many other committees, including the property committee for 25 years.
Ray married Betty Hughes in October 8, 1949 at Amity Lutheran Church and they celebrated 56 years of marriage. They were worldwide travelers that enjoyed spending their winters in Ocala, FL. Ray loved God, his family, and country. He and his wife were active community supporters. Their legacies include the Highland Community College "Ray and Betty Stamm Health Science Nursing Wing", HCC Continuing Education Lifelong Learning Program, and HCC Scholarship Fund.
Ray was survived by his son; Jeffrey (Connie) of Lena, one daughter; Cali R. (Larry) Lelle of Arlington Heights, IL. four grandchildren; Carrie (Dr. Dan) Jones of Platteville, WI, Blaine (Annie) Stamm of Lena, Jamie (Josh) Hagenow of Verona, WI and Valerie Lelle (PA-C) of Balfate, Honduras, two great granddaughters; Adilynn Jones of Platteville, WI and Madasyn Stamm of Lena, and one brother-in-law; Harry Hughes of Lena.
Ray was preceded in death by his; wife, parents, brother; Wayne, three half brothers; Merl, Milford and Glen and two half sisters; Iva Lee and Gladys Rosenstiel.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 10:30 am at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lena, IL
Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Leamon Funeral Home, Lena, IL.
Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, IL followed by a luncheon the church.
The Stamm and Lelle Families would like to sincerely thank the Presence St. Joseph staff for the exceptional, loving care of their dad.
A memorial has been established in his name.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.