Ray E. Crowl, 92, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 3, 2019, in Cape Coral, FL.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at the Wesley United Methodist Church in East Dubuque, with Pastor Jerry Chase and Parson John Emery officiating.

Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of American Legion Post # 787.

Visitation will be from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Monday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where American Legion Post # 787 will meet at 4:00 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:15 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday.

Ray was born December 16, 1926 in Goldfield, IA, the son of Herbert and Lenore (DeBord)Crowl.

He married Ruby (Warden) Crowl, the daughter of George W. and Bessie A. (Zachery) Warden of Polk City, IA, on May 19, 1945, in Madison, WI, where Ray was stationed while attending the US Navy radio operator’s school.

In addition to Ray’s Navy service, he spent 45 years serving as Choir Director at Wesley United Methodist Church, and enjoyed singing in the Sweetwater Gospel Quartet and the Barbershop Quartet for many years. Ray was also a member of American Legion Post # 787 of East Dubuque. He spent 30 years as a telegraph operator for the Illinois Central Railroad.

It would be easy, though accurate, to say that Ray was loved and adored by his family. The truth is that his impact was felt far beyond just us lucky few. From his Church family to his closer-than-neighbors to his friends at the Village Inn in Dubuque, Ray brightened the lives of everyone he met.

It was in his bright, easy, constant smile. His love of music, and of God. His adoration for his family, especially his pride for his great-grandkids. His care for the bluebirds and orioles he watched over at his many birdfeeders. His devotion, most of all, to his wife of 69 years, Ruby, who passed away on February 18, 2015. With her he built a life of happiness together with their two children, five grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. With her he spent nearly every waking moment, on their many dates at the Olive Garden, walks around Kennedy Mall, and afternoons spent cheering on their grandkids and great-grandkids at innumerable sporting events, choir concerts, school plays, and “grandparent’s days.”

Ray will be missed for everything he brought to those of us on Earth, but we’re glad for him to be joining Ruby in Heaven. We are so lucky to have known and loved this gentle, generous, patient man.

Ray is survived by two (2) children, Joyce (Dan) Busch of Dickeyville, WI, and Greg (Andrea) Crowl of Cape Coral, FL; as well as five (5) grandchildren, Tina Mowery, Terry Busch, Tracy Cushman, Christian Fisher, Erik Fisher; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, threesiblings, and his wife Ruby.

Ray’s family would like to thank the Ken Lange family for all they have done for Ray and Ruby.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.