COLLINSVILLE, IL- Ray R. Esterlein, 95, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was born June 22, 1923 in Collinsville, IL to Otto "Boob" and Martha "Ruth" (Gracey) Esterlein. He married Kathryn Carr on October 19 1963; she preceded him in death on September 25, 2012.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Benjamin Calvin, and son-in-law, John Tipton.

Ray is survived by his children, Laura (Mike) DeLuca of Collinsville, IL, Sarah (Scott) Calvin of Marine, IL, Rebecca (Mike) Rieso of Belleville, IL, Susie Tipton of Maryville, IL and Paul G. Esterlein of Collinsville, IL; nine grandchildren, Brandon and Amanda Calvin, Alex and Luke DeLuca, Austin and Kaitlyn Tipton, Meaghan Esterlein, and Chris, Sarah and Brenon Rieso; great-grandchildren, Brrayden, Leo, Kyelynn, Ally Ray, Tre, Carley, and Cayde;  siblings, George Esterlein of Collinsville, IL and Mary Brown of Spring, TX.

Ray worked as a salesman with Swift Independent Packaging Company in East St. Louis, IL for 44 years. He was a devoted member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army from February 1943- December 1945. As a buck sergeant, he served at the China India Burma Theater during World War II.  He was also a member of the America Legion Post #365, where he served as a chaplain from 1996-2016.

Memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Additional condolences may also be sent to the family through this online guestbook.

VISITATION: A visitation for Ray will be held on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 4:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL.

FUNERAL: A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL. Pastor Kyle Wright will officiate. Interment will be at St. John Cemetery in Collinsville, IL.