October 23, 1960 – June 11, 2023
Raymond John Schroeder, age 62 of Lowell, Indiana, formerly of Lansing, Illinois passed away suddenly on June 11, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Ray is survived by the love of his life, wife Kimberly (Matczak), daughter Hannah (Caleb Fiene), stepdaughters Marisa Rutherford, Kayla Rutherford, and Rachael (William) Bosgraaf. Sister Carol Van Dorp, nephew Greg Van Dorp. Sister-in law Cathy (Greg) Wasserott and brother-in-law Greg Jancich. He is also survived by Grampy’s loves, his granddaughters, Piper and Maisey. Ray is preceded in death by his father Raymond Schroeder, Sr., and his beloved mother Virginia (Vinces) Schroeder, niece Denise Van Dorp-Jargella, grandniece Megan Jargella and sister-in-law Lisa Jancich.
Anyone who was lucky enough to know Ray, knew that was passionate about his family and friends, Chicago sports, especially baseball, horseracing and Lansing. He had a great time antiquing and buying and selling sports memorabilia. Ray dreamed of retiring to Florida one day with his wife, Kim, and loved all of the time that they had spent at Indian Rocks Beach, Florida.
Ray loved growing up in Lansing! He had so many memories of his friends, their shenanigans and especially the sports that he played while living there. He was proud of his baseball accomplishments from Little League all the way through Varsity Baseball as a T.F. South Rebel. He also loved playing high school football. He would say, “Once a Rebel, always a Rebel!” He continued to stay active in sports most of his adult life while participating in softball and golfing leagues.
Ray loved working for Lansing Public Works in the water department. He made a great group of friends that he was still in contact with throughout the years. He would always say, “I had a gift for finding a water leak!”
Ray was a successful harness horse owner mostly racing out of Balmoral Park in Crete, Illinois. Once Balmoral Park closed, Ray changed his attention to wanting to own thoroughbreds so that he could continue doing something that he loved. He was partners with some thoroughbred racing groups and enjoyed watching the horses race, especially in person. Ray started betting horses in high school and he and many of the same friends still did till this day.
One of Ray’s best friends had described him as a “pit bull with a heart of gold.” A truer statement could not have been spoken. He loved with his entire heart and was not afraid to show it. Ray will be terribly missed all who knew him and loved him. He was sure that he was going to heaven to be with his Savior Jesus Christ, so we will all be able to see him again.
Friends may visit with family on Friday, June 23, 2023, at Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00pm at the funeral home with Chaplain Mark Prestriedge officiating. Anyone that will be attending Ray’s services we are asking to please wear your favorite sports or horse racing apparel. Ray was loved by many and he will be truly missed.
