Edward C. Raes

Edward C. Raes, age of 68, of Monmouth, Ill., passed away at 4:50 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2009, at the Monmouth Nursing Home. Ed was born on March 24, 1940 in Colona, Ill., the son of Oscar and Margaret VanHolderbeke Raes. Ed was raised in Illinois City and Little York where he attended schools and graduated from the Little York High School. He then received an Associates Degree in Farm Management and Crop Production from Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois. Ed served his country by serving in the United States Army from 1963-1965 as PFC. He was formerly married to Sue Toops. He is a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth, Illinois. Ed has farmed throughout most of his active career. He also was employed by Dick Ballard in Construction for a time, and also worked for a number of years at Wilson Foods in Monmouth, Illinois. He was a member of the Little York Lions Club, the Marion B Fletcher Post 136 American Legion, and was a member of the Little York Volunteer Fire Department. In earlier years Ed was active in Boy Scouting and served as a leader. His hobbies include football, NASCAR, the Green Bay Packers, the Fighting Illini football, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Surviving are three sons Douglas Raes and Teresa of Oquawka, Illinois; Gregory Raes and Michelle of Little York, Illinois; and Jeffrey Raes and Tara of Springfield, Illinois. His wife Sue Raes of Monmouth, Also surviving are five grandchildren Andrew, Ashley, Sam, Luke and Ben Raes. Three brothers Gene Raes (Judy) of Monmouth, Charlie Raes of Monmouth, and AJ Raes (Julie) of Monmouth, one sister-in-law Linda Raes. Several Nieces and Nephews also survive. Ed is preceded in death by his parents and one brother Wally Raes. Services:Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2009, at Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth followed by Military Honors. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday evening Turnbull Funeral Home where his family will plan to receive friends following the Rosary. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established for either Monmouth Nursing Home or Community Hospices of America. Cremation has been accorded. For more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.