By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
4 Comments
  • Visitation

    Tuesday, June 28, 2022

    4:00 to 8:00 pm, and

    Wednesday, June 29, 2022

    8:00 to 9:30 am

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

  • Service

    Wednesday, June 29, 2022

    10:00 am

    St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Raymond Edward Schrage, 86, of Highland, IL., died Sunday, June 19, 2022, with his family by his side.

    He was born February 21, 1936, to Edward F. and Christine (nee Wilke) Schrage in St. Rose, IL, and grew up on the family farm.

    Raymond graduated from St. Rose Public School in 1950, then worked on the family farm, while also helping on some of the neighboring farms.  He was also employed at the Brown Shoe Company in Trenton, IL for several years, until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957. After Basic Training he was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division and served in Germany for the remainder of his active duty, where he met his future wife.  He returned to the U.S. in 1959 after being honorably discharged. On July 9, 1960, he married Rosemarie Emmert at St. Rose Catholic Church.

    Raymond started working for Highland Machine and Screw Co. in 1959, and worked for 42 years, until retiring as a Supervisor in February 2001.  During his employment, he earned his high school diploma and took several job-related courses.

    He loved travelling with his wife, visiting most of the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska; with the National Parks being his favorites.  They travelled to many places in Europe including Croatia and surrounding countries, while also enjoying two river cruises from Amsterdam, Holland, to Budapest, Hungary, with both cruises stopping at his wife’s hometown of Wurzburg, where they were able to visit and spend time with her family.  One memorable event was seeing the Oberammergau Passion Play in 2000.  Raymond enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  He learned to play golf, after his retirement, and thoroughly enjoyed playing the game with friends, as often as possible.

    He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church where he served as Eucharistic Minister for many years, was an Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Woodmen of the World, for a time.

    Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Christine Schrage; son, Christopher Schrage; sister, Mary Ann Schrage; brother-in-law, Paul Benhoff; and nephew, Ken Benhoff.

    He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rosemarie “Romy” Schrage, Highland, IL; son, Greg (Sandra) Schrage, Troy, IL; grandchildren, Nathanael Schrage, Dayne Schrage, Steven “McKay” (Caitlin) Schrage; siblings, Jeanette Benhoff, Marcie (Rich) Hacker, Mike Schrage, Ed (Aggie) Schrage, Sister Angela Schrage, A.S.C., Barb (Frank) Zaloga; many nieces and nephews.

    Memorials may be made to St. Paul Church or Siteman Cancer Center.

    Memorial Visitation:  Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, and Wednesday, June 29, 2022, from 8:00 to 9:30 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Mass of Christian Burial:  Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 10:00 am, St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

    Clergy:  Fr. Pat Jakel, Pastor

    Interment:  St. Joseph Cemetery, Highland, IL

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

     

     

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4 Condolences
 
  1. Cheryl (Kampwerth) Braun / June 21, 2022 at 9:17 pm

    I was very sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. He earned his angel’s wings with his sweet personality. Keeping his family in my thoughts and prayers.

  2. MIKE ARAIZA / June 27, 2022 at 4:50 pm

    With my deepest sympathy and sorrow for your loss.

  3. Kathy Kessels / July 6, 2022 at 12:07 am

    Romy, I am truly sorry to hear about Ray. I never seen him without a smile on his face.
    Please accept my and my family’s condolences.

  4. Ron Stern / July 11, 2022 at 2:39 pm

    Sorry for your loss.

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