He was born on July 1, 1919 in Minonk, IL a son of Frank and Clara Kark Ruestman. He married Helen M. Cabal on March 8, 1942 in Minonk. She died on October 17, 2005.

Survivors include: one son, William (Carolyn) Ruestman of Flanagan; three daughters, Bonnie Branz of Pontiac, Cheryl Mucci of Ottawa, Patricia Ruestman of Springfield; two grandsons, Tony and Justin Mucci; four granddaughters, Barbara (Jim) Pritz, Nicole (Jason Morgan) Branz, Ashley and Jayme Ruestman; eight great grandchildren and his beloved cat Mike.

Raymond served his country in the Air Force during World War II as a pilot and flight instructor while he was in the service. He achieved the rank of Captain. He was famer all his life in the Flanagan, Dana and Longpoint area.

Raymond was a member of the Flanagan American Legion and the Flanagan School Board.

He enjoyed wintering in Pine Island, FL, watching the Yankees, Cubs and Illini whenever possible.

Raymond always enjoyed joking around. He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Flanagan where funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, July 30, 2009. The Rev. Owen Derrick will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Flanagan and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Minonk Township Cemetery. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Minonk is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Flanagan or the Flanagan/ Cornell Unit #74 School District. Online condolences may be sent to the family at ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Good Samaritan Home for all of their efforts in providing care for Raymond.