Raymond Nehring

Raymond Nehring was a man who had a great smile, worked hard, loved his family, and knew how to enjoy life. On June 9th, at the age of 77, after a long and brave battle with cancer, the family and friends of Ray Nehring will mourn his loss, but celebrate a life lived well. Ray grew up on the west side of Dixon, the son of Ira and Bernice (Quadlin) Nehring Heyer. As a young man he enlisted in the Navy where he experienced the end of WWII and the beginning of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and returned to his hometown roots. On April 16th, 1955, Ray married the love of his life, Margaret Mead. They recently celebrated their 51st anniversary. Their children and grandchildren were raised in an environment of deep love and affection, never entering or leaving their home without a hug and a kiss, never hanging up the phone without hearing ?I love you? at the end of the line. Their children include Theresa (John) Cisneros and their children Anthony and Raymond; Pattie Hummel (Chris Kolling) and her children Jim, Ranae, and Nathan; James (Letta) Nehring and their children Starr, Devin, and Raymond; Anita (Chris) Daraska and her son Aaron and step-daughter Shannon; Joseph (Connie) Nehring and their children Brandon, Katie (Lance Montavon), Kyle, and Jake. Ray and family enjoyed the recent addition of the first great-grandchild, Katie?s son, Landon Montavon. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Donald Heyer, and sister, Betty Capp. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, his brother Ira Nehring, his sister Donna Jenkins, and his brother Bobby Heyer. In 1963, Ray became a Dixon Policeman. In his ten years with the department he was promoted to Detective. He made it his major focus to rid the community of the growing drug trade and educate its citizens about drugs by giving lectures at schools and organizations throughout the area. Ray was instrumental in many key drug busts, utilizing outside resources, and working side-by-side with the Illinois Bureau of Investigations. In 1973 Ray was named Elk?s Citizen of the Year for his outstanding service to the community. Later that year, Ray was appointed Sheriff of Lee County and spent the next 13 years in proud service to its citizens. In May of 1976 , Ray graduated with honors from Sauk Valley Community College with an Associate?s Degree in Law Enforcement. After leaving the Sheriff?s Department in 1986, Ray was employed by the Illinois Department of Transportation. He enjoyed working outdoors and made many life-long friends at IDOT. Ray retired at the age of 68 in 1997. He and Marge took pleasure in going on road trips in his ?55 Chevy and playing cards with his friends. Although his family will miss that wonderful smile and big heart, everyone else will miss a good friend and a great man. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday June 13, 2006 begining with a 10:00 AM prayer service in the Jones Funeral Home followed by a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St Anne Catholic Church in Dixon with the Rev. Michael Morrissey pastor officiating. Military Honors by the Combined Veterans Group will follow Mass at the Church. Visitation will be on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the funeral home with the Rosary at 8:00 PM. A memorial has been established.

Raymond Nehring

September 22, 1928 - June 9, 2006