Raymond J. Kaminski Jr., affectionately known as "Ray," passed away on June 26, 2026, following a brief illness, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 78 years old.

Ray was born on July 26, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Charlotte and Raymond J. Kaminski Sr. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1966, which was delayed a year due to a bout of rheumatic fever as a child.

In 1968, Ray began his electrician apprenticeship with IBEW Local 134, embarking on a career that would span decades. He became a journeyman electrician in 1972 and earned a reputation for his exceptional workmanship, dedication, and pride in his trade, oftentimes working as foreman. Throughout his career, he contributed to numerous significant projects, but he was especially proud of his work at O'Hare International Airport and Arlington Park Racetrack. His accomplishments as an electrician were a source of great pride throughout his life.

In 1969, Ray married Kathleen "Kathy" Sarner, and together they welcomed three children: Karen in 1970, Kristy in 1972, and Timothy in 1975. In 1972, the young family purchased their first home in Hanover Park. As Ray's career flourished, they moved into a newly built home in Hanover Park in 1978, where they continued raising their family.

Over the years, Ray married again and welcomed another daughter, Melissa. He also became a stepfather to Lisa Domczyk, Amanda Cook and Sabrina Bailey.

In 2009, Ray moved to Sycamore, where he made his home in the Stone Prairie community, enjoying the opportunity to live close to his daughters, Karen and Kristy. Some of his happiest years were spent sharing everyday moments with his family, especially his beloved granddaughter, Abby. He looked forward to the simple joys of family life, including the many conversations he shared with his daughter during her long drives home from work. He never tired of listening to her stories, finding happiness in hearing about the people he loved.

Ray appreciated the finer things in life and had a lifelong love of beautiful automobiles, especially his Chevrolet Corvette and his Mercedes SL500. Few things made him smile more than taking a drive with the top down, feeling the wind in his hair and enjoying the open road.

As the years passed, Ray's perspective evolved. While he had once devoted much of his energy to building a successful career and acquiring the things he enjoyed, he came to realize that his greatest wealth was not measured by possessions, but by the love of his family. In his final years, that love became the center of his life, and he embraced every opportunity to be present with those who meant the most to him.

Ray is survived by his sisters, Jane Czeszewski (Marty), Char Ocwieja (Ron), and Mariann Kaminski; his children, Karen Bourdage (Todd), Kristy Musgrove (Matt), Timothy (Allie), and Melissa; his stepdaughters, Lisa Domczyk, Amanda Cook, and Sabrina Bailey; and his cherished grandchildren, Brittany Ege (Lucas), Abby Bourdage, Makenzie and Makayla Musgrove, Caleb Cunz, Noah Kaminski and his nieces and nephews, Allison Fonseca (Bryan), Coreen Reavy (Rich), Cindy, Kelly and Tammy Czeszewski, Jamie Rossi (Mike), Christopher Ocwieja, Jason Kaminski and Heather Janus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlotte and Raymond J. Kaminski Sr.; his sister, Judy Curry (Billy); and his brother, Vince (Joan).

Those who knew Ray will remember his determination, his pride in a job well done, his appreciation for life's pleasures, and, most importantly, the love he shared with the people closest to him. If there is one word that best captures the lasting impression he leaves on his family, it is love. That love will continue to live on in the memories they cherish and in the lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Ellwood Steakhouse, 2219 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, Illinois 60115.