Raymond J. "Ray" Probst (88) of Effingham

Raymond Joseph Probst, 88 of Effingham, passed away Monday, June 6, 2016 at his home in Effingham.

A mass celebrating his life will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 10 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with a 6:00 Knights of Columbus rosary and a 6:30 p.m. parish wake service. The family requests memorial donations be made to St. Anthony Schools or St. Anthony Cemetery.

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Ray was born on April 27, 1928 in Effingham County, the son Henry and Clara (Eckjan) Probst. He married Virginia Gillespie on September 11, 1948 and she preceded him in death on August 27, 2015. Ray was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church and the Effingham Knights of Columbus. Always with a big smile, Ray never knew a stranger. Even though he couldn’t hear very well and might not know exactly who you were you would always get a wave and that big, happy smile. Ray worked in the family business all his life. Starting at a young age working with his dad, Henry, uncle and cousins at Verdeyne & Probst garage as a parts man downtown. Buying and selling cars was a passion for him, especially Hudsons, Model-Ts & Ramblers. He loved telling about his adventures riding the train to Wisconsin to pick up cars for the business. He was the proud owner of Probst Amoco for 35 years with his son, David and wife, Virginia. Ray was happiest when he was talking with the customer. Loved and respected by his loyal customers, Ray made sure they knew how much he appreciated their business. Horses and his John Deere mower were two of his favorite things. A true Probst, Ray liked to tinker and never threw anything away –  “You never know when you are going to need that!” he used to say. Ray was dedicated to his wife, Virginia; she was the love of his life, she was his everything, he never left her side & missed her terribly.  Ray’s strong faith & love of family was very important to him. His kids, grandkids and great-grandkids meant the world to him. He loved to joke with them and tell them about the good old days. He will be terribly missed.

Raymond is survived by his son, David of Teutopolis; daughters, Dixie (Bruce) Hartke and Cindy (Terry) Dalton, both of Effingham; grandchildren, Todd (Kristin) Probst; Seth & Maci, Stacey (Rick) Hoene; Madilyn, Grace & Drew, Kari (Josh) Thompson; Bennett, Henry & Mason, Doug (Megan) Probst; Anna, Jacob & Sam, Shawn (Kindra) Hartke; Brandon, Mandy (Bart) Wiedman; Ty & Maddox, Jessica (Alan) Clayton; Olivia, Justin (Heather) Dalton & Courtney Dalton; Max and many cousins, nieces and nephews who were very special to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Lucille; infant brother, Tony; daughter-in-law, Marlene Probst; his father and mother-in-law, Kenneth & Mae Gillespie; brothers-in-law, Wayne, Harold, Delbert, Gene and Bob Gillespie; sisters-in-law, Vera Vonderheide & Velda Knight.