Raynard F. Darnstadt

On June 2, 2015, Raynard Frank Darnstadt went to join his wife of 67 years, Gloria “Rusty” Stempki and daughter, Gloriann. Raynard was born August 7, 1923 to William and Katherine Darnstadt in Lyons, IL. He was the youngest born to his family and attended Washington Grade School in Lyons, IL and Morton High School in Cicero, IL. Ray joined the Navy in 1943-1946 and served as an electricians mate 1st Class on the USS Change. He worked at UOP and Electro-Motive in McCook, IL. Ray met the love of his life, Gloria “Rusty” Stempki and they were married on November 29, 1947. They lived in his family home on Christie Avenue in Lyons, IL. In 1949, Ray began his family with a daughter, Gloriann. In 1951, he began Lyons Electric Co. out of his father’s garage with partners, John Cernak and Eugene White. Another daughter was added to his family, Susan Gail. As Ray’s family grew so did his company where he soon moved to Joliet Avenue in Lyons, IL. In 1955, he began to build a family home on Plainfield Road in Lyons, where his daughter’s family still resides. The company grew again and they built a new building on Lawndale Avenue in Lyons where he stayed until he retired in 1976. As Ray was getting ready for retirement he began to build a summer home in Boulder Junction, WI. He soon moved to that home permanently in 1979 where he made many good friends. Ray was a Perpetual Member of the Riverside Masonic Lodge 862 (AF & AM), a 62 year member of Local 134 IBEW of Chicago, a member of the Electrical Contractor Association of Chicago and a 30 year member at Wisconsin American Legion Post 451 Boulder Junction. He was a member of the Boulder Junction Lions Club since 1981 and served as President from 1986 – 1987. Ray was also a sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, a member of the Lyons Tigers AC and member of St. John UCC , where he served on the church council in Lyons, IL. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, bowling, over 55 baseball team and most of all his family. Raynard was preceded in death by his brother, William Jr. and sisters, Catherine Quitmeyer and Adeline White. Ray is survived by his daughter, Susan (Douglas) Dobes; seven grandsons, Christopher, Benjamin, & Nicholas Dobes. Sean (Erika), Chad, Shane & Brenden (Sarah) Compton ; two great grandchildren, Conor and Emma Grace, nieces and nephews and his “best girl” Maggee the golden retriever. A Funeral Service will be held June 11, 2015 at the Community Church of Boulder Junction, with visitation one hour prior to the 11:00 service at the church. Interment will follow at Cemetery of the Pines in Boulder Junction. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Lions Club of Boulder Junction.

Raynard F. Darnstadt

August 7, 1923 - June 2, 2015