Ray Keith Kautz (88) of Newton

Ray Keith Kautz, age 88, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 6:45 AM – Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Ridgeview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Oblong, Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM – Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois.  Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Monday, February 12, 2024, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, and again Tuesday 10:00 to 10:30 AM at the church, before mass. A private burial will be in the Bethel Cemetery near West Liberty, Illinois.  In loving memory of Ray, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom (AITC).  The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here. 

Ray was born on August 28, 1935, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Daniel Ray and Ruth (Stiff) Kautz.  He graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1953.  While in high school, he was a part of the undefeated football team in the 1952 season.

Ray was united in marriage to Ethel Frohning on April 25, 1959, at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton.  She preceded him in death on March 13, 2011.

Ray served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 until 1956.  He was a rural mail carrier for 31 years and a farmer.  During his time as a rural mail carrier, he served as the Secretary of the Illinois Rural Mail Carrier Association and received an award for driving over a million miles with no accidents.

Ray was a member of St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Sainte Marie American Legion Post #932, Elks, Illinois Rural Mail Carrier Association, and the Jasper County Farm Bureau, where he served as President for 10 years.

Ray enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, spending winters in Florida, playing bridge and cards, especially poker.  He was also an avid fan of the Newton Eagles.

Ray loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He always looked forward to coffee and conversation with his friends.

Ray is survived by:

Children – Susan O’Brien of Xenia, Illinois; Keith (Terri) Kautz of West Liberty, Illinois; Elaine Kautz of Evansville, Indiana; and Melinda (Diane) Lans-Kautz of Elmhurst, Illinois

Companion and partner – Myrtle McReynolds of Newton, Illinois

Grandchildren – Greg (Adriana) Phillips, Wes Phillips (Maicie Myers), Mallory (Jim) Jenness, Marisa (Nick) Davis, Jackson Kautz, and Ella Kautz

Great Grandchildren – Autumn Phillips, Xavier Phillips, Samantha Jenness, Ben Jenness, John Jenness, and Quinn Davis

Sisters – Sara (Don) Helregel of Lexington, Kentucky, Barbara (Galen) Hinkel of Dundas, Illinois; and Nancy Parker of Olney, Illinois

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Micheal Kautz and a brother Michael Kautz.