Raymond M. Krutz Jr., 78, of Rock Island, died Thursday, July 14, 2016 at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island.  Per Raymond's wishes, there will be no services.  Cremation rites were accorded.  Memorials may be made in care of the American Heart Association.  Arrangements are being handled by Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island.

Raymond was born in Blytheville, Ark. on September 14, 1937, a son of Rev. Raymond M. Sr. and Matty Pearl Krutz.  Raymond graduated with a Master of Education from Bradley University in Peoria.  He did his undergraduate studies at Arkansas State University and Illinois Wesleyan University.

Raymond married Deanna Lawwill in Rock Island in 1978.  He served as a Methodist minister in Illinois for several churches before starting his teaching career.  Raymond retired from the Peoria Public School System in 1993.  Teaching was a true passion of Raymond's.  He truly loved teaching and his students.

Raymond loved wildlife.  He could be found watching and feeding many animals as they roamed around his yard.  Raymond enjoyed riding Harley's, Cadillac's and Corvette's.  He loved his "bear-boys" as well!

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Deanna Krutz, Rock Island; children, Raymond M. Krutz III and Sherri Segler, both of Peoria; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Bette L. Mizer, Strasburg, Ohio; a special uncle, John R. Krutz, Jonesboro, Ark.; three very special nieces, a nephew and one great-niece and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents.