Obituary of Raul Ochoa Guzman
Raul Ochoa Guzman, 84, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on December 6, 2018, following a 3-year battle with dementia. Raul was born, raised, and worked in and around Elsa, Texas before marrying Amelia, his wife of 66 years. Raul and Amelia moved from Texas to Chicago Heights, Joliet, and Channahon where they raised their family before finally retiring to a farm they purchased in Xenia, IL.
Raul loved to watch Westerns and professional wrestling. He worked as many as three jobs at one time to support his family. He retired from Caterpillar in 1999 after 33 years where he was known to his co-workers as “Paul” or “Guz.” His workday didn’t end with his shift: Raul built his home in Channahon and was always tinkering with something. Even after he retired, Raul kept busy on the farm, riding his yellow tractor and taking particular pride in his garden.
He also was an involved member of the community. He was a member of the Texas National Guard and volunteer firefighter. Everyone knew Raul, and it was not unusual for him to know what one of his kids was up to (good or bad) before they got home.
Raul was a loving husband and father. He met Amelia (nee Lopez) in Plainview, Texas where they began their life as a married couple in 1952. Together they raised 7 children: Lionel Guzman, Arthur Guzman, Elida Chess, Marty (Mary Beth) Guzman, Matthew (Andrea) Guzman, Rita (Dan) McManus, and Lisa (Don) Brown. They also had numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Raul was the type of father who could make anything and fix anything, including a bike and the scraped knee that went with it.
Like many of the strong, silent types in the movies he watched, Raul may not have said a lot, but even when he didn’t speak, that twinkle in his eye and sly grin said enough. He also had a sweet side and an infamous sweet tooth. Raul always got to have the first piece of cake at any family celebration.
Hard-worker, helper, husband, and father, Raul, will forever be in the hearts of his family and friends.
Raul was preceded in death by his parents, Ediberto and Andrea Guzman; sister, Rafala (Guzman) Garcia; brother, Rueben Guzman; grandson, Matthew Aaron Guzman; and granddaughter, Angelina Guzman.
Visitation for Raul Ochoa Guzman will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral chapel. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Raul’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
