Dwayne E. Raney

Dwayne E. Raney, 86 of Woodstock, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Valley Hi Nursing Home in Woodstock.

He was born in Woodstock on November 19, 1930 to Knute and Florence (Brott) Raney.  He married Geraldine Labenski on May 2, 1953 in Chicago.

Dwayne was a veteran having served in the Army during the Korean War.  He was a member and past Commander of the Woodstock VFW Post 5040, and the Peter Umathum American Legion Post 412.

Dwayne was also involved with the parks and recreation department serving as the past President and Chairman of the Youth Council.  He also served as secretary for Cub Scout Pack 350.  His passion for over 50 years was umpiring Woodstock Little League and Girls Softball.  For his efforts, he was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Woodstock Little League opening day ceremonies at Merryman Fields on April 27, 2013.

Dwayne was devoted to attending and singing at several churches in the community including the First United Methodist Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and St. Ann’s Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his children, Steven (Diana) Raney, Catherine (Robert) Gillespie, and Karen Raney; two granddaughters, Amber (Josh) Sainer-Raney, and Karen E. Gillespie; and his nephew, Ward “Woody” Wood.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Geraldine Raney; his daughter, Laurie Raney; his brother, Kenneth Raney; his sister, Jeannette Bentz; his mother-in-law, Stella Labenski; his brother-in-law, Richard Labenski; and his longtime companion, Irene Brown.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 12, 2017 from 4pm until the time of the funeral service at 7pm at the Schneider Leucht Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home in Woodstock.  Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 starting at 10am and we will process to Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Woodstock for a committal service at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Woodstock Little League.