Raymond “Ray” G. Swanson, age 90, passed away at home in Stillman Valley, IL. He was born on December 22, 1933 in Chicago the son of Sven and Charlotte (Rhein) Swanson. Ray proudly served his country in the US Navy. Ray attended the University of Illinois where he earned his Bachelor Degree in accounting. He worked as an accountant for National Lock for 10 years and for the Berol Company for 25 years. Ray married Kay Beatty Petit on September 18, 1973 and they enjoyed the next 50 years of married life. They enjoyed attending the Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley and also loved traveling together especially on long car trips across the country. He loved seeing new things and taking vacations. He connected with a group of Navy veterans who he became close with and he and Kay would travel to different places to spend time with them for over 15 years. In his spare time; he liked to be outside and could be found golfing, fishing, or tending his vegetable garden. Ray liked to keep his mind sharp and was fond of doing puzzles, crosswords, and sudoku. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Marge, and grandchildren Jonathan and LeeAnn. He is survived and missed by his wife, Kay of Stillman Valley; children, Darryl Swanson of Rockford, Joni (David) Brundage of Salinas, CA, Douglas (Shirley) Petit of Plainfield, Kim (Thomas) Hood of Carmel Valley, CA, Kelly Petit of Rockford, Kerry Petit of Stillman Valley, and Lee (Kim) Petit of Sycamore; grandchildren, Raymond G. Swanson, Jeffrey Swanson, Will Wheatley, Jacob Petit, Jeremy Petit, Connor Petit, Quinten Petit, Keegan Petit, and Ainsley Petit; and great grandchildren Katie and Michael. The family would like to thank Saint Anne’s and Heartland Hospice for all of the loving care and support shown to Ray and the family. A funeral service celebrating his well lived life will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home, 136 W. Roosevelt, Stillman Valley with Pastor Chris Brauns of the Red Brick Church officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11:00 AM. Memorials may be directed to The Red Brick Church or the Veterans Association or the local VFW.
