Dwayne E. Raney

Dwayne E. Raney, 86, Woodstock, died Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at Valley Hi Nursing Home, Woodstock.

He was born Nov. 19, 1930, to Knute and Florence (Brott) Raney in Woodstock.

On May 2, 1953, he married Geraldine Labenski in Chicago.

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

Dwayne also was involved with the city’s parks and recreation department, serving as president and chairman of the youth council.  He also served as secretary for Cub Scout Pack 350.  His passion for more than 50 years was umpiring games for Woodstock Little League and Woodstock Girls Softball.  For his efforts, he was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch at opening-day ceremonies for Woodstock Little League at Merryman Fields April 27, 2013.

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

Survivors include: 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.

Visitation and the funeral service were June 12 at the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.  Burial was at Calvary Cemetery,  Woodstock.

Memorials can be made to the Woodstock Little League.