Raymond "Sonny" George Lohse, 92, of Rock Island, passed away Monday, September 21, 2015 at UnityPoint Health-Trinity Rock Island. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island, where military honors will be conducted. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of Christian Care Rescue Mission, Rock Island.

Sonny was born on July 20, 1923 in Davenport, Iowa, a son of Hugo H. and Lena Avery Lohse. He attended Immanuel Lutheran School, Rock Island High School and Augustana College. In 1942, Sonny volunteered to enter the armed forces, becoming a Naval Aviator and fighter pilot serving in the Pacific. His actions during World War II resulted in Sonny being honored with a Distinguished Flying Cross, an Occupational Service Medal and an Air Medal. Following World War II, he became a professional test pilot for Vought Sikorsky in California before returning home to take over the family business. Sonny became CEO of Lohse Group and would lead the family-run automotive parts company for over 50 years.

He married Grace B. DeSchepper on October 5, 1951. They were married 42 years until her death in 1997.

Sonny was involved on a number of boards and committees throughout his career. He served as Vice President of the Illinois Automotive Association, Chairman of Parts Plus International, a member of Parts Plus Executive Committee, a member of the Distributor Council for General Motors, and on the boards for Wagner Electric, Raybestos Brakes and Federal Mogul. He also served as Head of the Rock Island Retail Bureau and as a 20 year member then commissioner on the Quad City International Airport - Metropolitan Airport Authority.

Active in the community, Sonny was a member of Rotary, the American Legion, and he was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Sonny was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time and playing cards with his many friends.

He is survived by his soul mate, Debra Friederichs, Rock Island; son, Ray Lohse, Davenport, Iowa; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Ronald Hicks, Galesburg, Ill.; and two granddaughters, Lindsay and Ashley Hicks, Indianapolis, Ind.

Sonny will also be lovingly remembered by Debra's daughter, Christina Dreiling, Prairie Village, Kan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Betty Lohse Benjamin.