Raymond James Wortel, age 69, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2015. Preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary and Raymond Wortel and his sister, Dorothy (Dottie) Wortel. Survived by his wife of 20 years, Helen (Misek) Wortel of Gulfport, MS; his children, Gemma (Dennis) Wortel of Markham, IL, Penny (Mike) Fitzpatrick of Montgomery, IL, Raymond (Jennifer) Wortel and Mary (Brian) Northum of Austin, TX, Kelly Wortel of Portage, IN; his siblings, Edward (Jane) Wortel of Gulfport, MS, Joseph (Betty) Wortel of Plainfield, IL, Ronald (Vicki) Wortel of Steger, IL, and Robert (Carla) Wortel of Gulfport, MS; his grandchildren, Aaron, Michael, Ericka, Brittany, Sean, Ryan, Nathaniel, Claire, Christian, Drew, Melody, Madison, Joshua and Katelyn; great grandchildren, Chasidy, Madison and Makezy. Born in Evergreen Park, IL and lived most of his life in the Chicago south suburbs. Navy Seabee who served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War and received many awards and medals for his marksmanship. Retired after 30 years from Madison (FSC) Paper Company of Alsip, IL. Snowbirds from Oswego, IL, Ray and his wife, Helen, recently built a home in Gulfport, MS. Well known as "the man who walked his beloved black lab", Sookie. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family in IL, TX, IN and MS. We will miss him and his warm, loving heart. Rest in peace, forever loved, missed and remembered. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, August 14, 2015 at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home from 9:30 AM until the time of funeral service at 11:30 AM with Pastor Scott Guhl officiating. Inurnment with military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL immediately following. Floral arrangements welcomed and memorial contributions in Raymond's name may be made to the American Lung Association, 55 W Wacker Dr, Ste 1150, Chicago, IL 60601. Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, Inc., 507 S. State St. (Rt. 52), Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com