Raymond O. “Ray” Dolgner

Raymond O. "Ray" DolgnerRaymond O. “Ray” Dolgner, (83) of Countryside, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2015 from congestive heart failure. Ray was born in Brookfield, Illinois to Frank and Martha (Wenz) Dolgner, and spent his childhood and youth in Hodgkins, Illinois.  The third of five children, Ray was preceded in death by his brother Don, and sisters Louise “Vee” (Kovel) and Eunice (Kayser), and is survived by his youngest sister Virdell (Zima).  Ray was a 1949 graduate of Lyons Township High School, where he played football and made many life-long friends.  Ray is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jean (McElwain) of LaGrange, whom he met through a mutual high school friend and married in 1954. Ray was a successful entrepreneur and businessman, starting and building a local trucking company, then owner of “The Mood” Bar and Grill, a Countryside landmark where Ray and Jean have been the proud proprietors since 1972.  Ray lived a life of service. He reverently served God, as a lifelong member and on-going office holder at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hodgkins.  He proudly served his country as an active duty Korea-Era Marine, and subsequent Marine Corps Reservist.  And he tirelessly served his community in a number of roles, including: Hodgkins Police Lieutenant; LaGrange District 105 School Board President; two-time President of the Countryside Lions Club; Charter Member of the Countryside Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Willow Springs American Legion Post 832. Ray loved animals and nature, finding relaxation in boating and fishing, enjoying a lake home in Michigan and armchair coaching the Sunday Bears games.  But Ray’s largest pleasure came in hard work, meeting or helping people, and spending time with his beloved family.  Ray is survived by he and Jean’s three children; Dave, Donna O’Mahoney (John) and Dan (Jodie), as well as five grandchildren; Taylor Pintaro (Nick), Tami Maslanka (Drew), Rachel, Alex and Alena and a soon-to-be great grandchild; Michael Pintaro. Ray’s family and friends paid their respects at Hallowell and James Funeral Home in Countryside on February 16, 2015 and Ray was laid to rest with full Marine Corps military honors in his family’s section at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Hodgkins, Illinois.  Remembrances and memorials can be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hodgkins, Illinois.

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