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Visitation:
Monday, September 14, 2026 from 9 - 11 a.m. at Holy
Family Catholic Church in Lincoln.
Service:
Monday, September 14, 2026, at
11 a.m. at the church
Funeral home:
Peasley Funeral Home, Lincoln
Obituary
Raymond "Ray" William
Vonderahe, 88, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully on
Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at his home with his
loving family.
Ray Vonderahe was born on December 4,1937, in
Lincoln, the son of George William Vonderahe and
Mildred Elaine Wright Vonderahe. On December 28,
1963, he married his soul mate Judith Carol Maher.
Together they had one daughter and enjoyed 62 years
of marriage. Raymond had a life centered in faith,
family, and dedicated service to others. He was
deeply admired for his humility and integrity, and
his example to others made an impact on all whose
lives he touched.
He is survived by his wife Judy Vonderahe, and
daughter, Nannette (David) Lockenour, all of
Lincoln. He also leaves behind many beloved god
children, cousins, and friends.
A strong quiet leader, Ray dedicated his life to
protecting and serving others. After high school, he
joined the Army and was in the Army Reserves for
eight years. His distinguished career in law
enforcement spanned four decades. He served 20 years
with the Lincoln Police Department, rising from
patrolman to Sergeant, and ultimately retiring as a
Detective. His expertise transitioned seamlessly
into a second, nearly 20-year career with the
Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), where he
served as an investigator and later as the Assistant
Warden at both Lincoln and Logan Correctional
Centers.
His commitment to his community extended far beyond
his career. A wise and loyal confidant, he was a man
everyone could depend on for guidance and help,
leading with honesty and integrity. He served as
President of the Tri-Police Association for many
years, earning a lifetime designation. He also gave
his time generously serving on the Lincoln Community
High School Board and the Lincoln City Police
Pension Board and was a longtime Trustee for Holy
Family Parish. He was a proud member of the
Fourth-Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1250, The
Lincoln Elks Lodge # 914, American Legion Post #263,
and the National Rifle Association.
Above all, his deep Catholic faith was the
foundation of his life, shaping the way he treated
others, and guided his life. While he wore many
titles, his favorite and most treasured roles were
those of husband and father. He shared a beautiful,
lifelong love with his wife and they spent many
years fishing, golfing, and lighting up the dance
floor together.
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His family is small,
but meant everything to him, and he was profoundly
proud of his daughter and son-in-law who brought
immense joy to his life. His happiest days were
spent at Table Rock Lake in Missouri with his
family, where they had a retirement home, making
countless memories boating, fishing, and golfing.
A man of diverse
talents and passions, he trained and showed dogs and
shot archery in his early years, which is where he
met his wife. Ray loved camping, fishing, and
golfing later in life. He was also very musical;
having played saxophone in the "Teddy Johnson and
His Band of Gold" band in his younger days. He
possessed the rare gift of playing both the
saxophone and piano by ear. He leaves behind a
legacy of faith, service, and quiet strength that
will continue to live on and inspire those who knew
and loved him.
Services for Ray will be held on Monday, September
14, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lincoln.
A Rosary Service will be held at 8:45 a.m. at the
church, followed by Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until
11:00 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial Service will begin at
11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev.
Joseph Dondanville officiating.
Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lincoln
with Military Rites provided by American Legion Post
#263.
Memorials may be made to Carroll Catholic School or
Holy Family Church.
Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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