Obituary of Raymond J. Martis
Raymond J. Martis, age 90, late of Shorewood, and formerly of Joliet and Leesburg, FL, passed away Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Lightways Hospice Home, with his loving family by his side.
Born June 12, 1932 in Joliet, he was the youngest of four children born to Joseph and Catherine (Kasky) Martis. Ray attended St. Bernard Catholic Church and Grade School, and in 1952, enlisted in the United States Air Force serving four years. Throughout his career, he worked for his brother in the steel industry, for the E. J & E. Railroad, and as an Operating Engineer for Local #150 until his retirement. He and his wife also owned and operated Hideaway Arts & Crafts during the 1970’s, where he enjoyed pouring plaster figurines and teaching painting classes.
Ray met the love of his life, the former Lorraine Maxwell, the evening they both served as attendants for the wedding of their friends. They spent the evening together, and then went on their first date. Lorraine knew that night that Ray was “the one.” They were married June 13, 1953, and enjoyed over 70 wonderful years together.
A devout Catholic and an active church member, he attended Mass regularly at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Crest Hill, where he organized a church group to play cards on a regular basis. In 2010, Ray and Lorraine moved to Leesburg, FL where they resided for 12 years, and attended St. Paul’s Catholic Church and volunteered to help feed the less fortunate on Thanksgiving Day.
Lorraine survives along with their four loving children, Joel Martis of Shorewood, Debbie Gernenz of Inman, SC, Keith Martis of Joliet, and Kathy (Mark Dehaven) Martis of Westfield, IN; four adoring grandchildren, Angela Gennett of Longwood, FL, Steven (Belinda) Gernenz of Rutherfordton, NC, Nicole (Jerry) Decker of Elgin, and Chris (Jami Miller) Martis of Joliet; and six beloved great-grandchildren, Madyson Gennett, Blake Wallers, Austin Wallers, Jaxon Martis, Angel Santiago and Chris Santiago.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Frances Donoffri and Lucille Brosofske; and one brother, Leonard Martis.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Raymond Martis will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., at the Church of St. Jude, 2212 McDonough Street, Joliet, IL 60436, where visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and private interment with military honors by the United States Air Force will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville.
Memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice (www.lightways.org) would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
