William Raube II

Peoria – William “Bill” Raube II, 62, of Peoria, slipped into heaven at 5:37 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
Cremation services were provided through Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac. A private funeral and interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Pontiac at a later date.
Bill was born on February 9, 1963, in Pontiac, Illinois, a son to William and Peggy (Stang) Raube. He was affectionately nicknamed “Buh” in childhood by his brother Jerry as Jerry had trouble pronouncing Bill. He married Gloria Woolsey on March 15, 2003.
Surviving is his wife; both parents in Pontiac; three brothers, Jerry & Dick of Pontiac, Steve (Charlene) of Hamden, CT; uncles, George Raube, Bob Vertrees, and Rick Stang; great aunt, Mary Barb Wynistorf; aunts, Shirley Vertrees, Darlene Raube, DeeDee Raube, Anita Stang, and Cherry Slaton; nephews, Eric, Mark, & Dylan; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Michael; grandparents, Harold & Juanita (Larkin) Stang and George & Florence (Johns) Raube; uncles, Chuck and Don Raube; and a cousin, Jessica Day.
Bill was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Pontiac. He grew up in rural Pontiac and farmed with his parents and brother Jerry after graduating from Pontiac Township High School. He then worked for Hardee’s Restaurant, Meriweather’s Department Store, and Sartoris Super Drugs before joining Don’s Red Fox. In 2003, he relocated to Peoria after meeting Gloria and worked for Huck’s Convenience Store and Schnuck’s Grocery Store, before joining The Kroger Company and retiring in August of 2023.
Bill was a social butterfly, and a friend to many. He always saw the good in others and there was always a smile and friendly greeting for everyone he encountered – especially strangers. He loved to keep busy and attended church with Gloria and rooted for the Chicago Cubs, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bulls, & Golden State Warriors. He enjoyed snowmobiling in the north woods of Wisconsin and occasional overnight trips to bordering states and Florida. He enjoyed card games and board games and, you did not dare bet against his memory. His pride & joy was his 1971 red Ford Torino which was painstakingly restored by a family friend. As someone who was very family-oriented, he loved the holidays which allowed him to spend time with family. Bill never forgot a birthday. He was a wonderful son, grandson, great nephew, brother, brother-in-law, husband, nephew, cousin, and friend to so many who will miss him dearly. Bill’s spirit lives on through the countless memories shared with those who knew him. His wisdom, quirky humor, and love will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bill and his family would like to extend gratitude to the exceptional caregivers that made his life possible. Thank you to Dr. Patrick Elwood in Peoria, IL and the cardiac doctors at Northwestern Memorial in Chicago, IL. Thanks to the incredible paramedics, radiologic technologists, patient care technicians, nurses, residents, doctors, physicians, and others that cared for his unique needs for the last 50 years. We appreciate you all!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the OSF Illinois Neurological Institute in care of the OSF HealthCare Foundation, 124 SW Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois 61602.
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