Raynold Lee Beach,91,of Lindenwood left his earthly body to be with the Lord on December 27,2022 at the Illinois Veteran's Home in LaSalle. He was born June 11,1931 to Ray and Edna (Strang) Beach. He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1950 - 1954 during the Korean War.

After leaving the service, he returned to northern Illinois and married Patricia Dieterman in March 1955. Six children soon followed: David (Brenda) Beach of Monroe Center, Brian (Jackie) Beach of Geneseo, Debra Dyer of Rochelle, Karen (Leland) Peters of Onaga KS, Frank Beach (deceased 2011) and Randy (Kathy) Beach of Lindenwood.

Ray spent 30 years as a testman at Sundstrand Aviation in Rockford, retiring in 1987. He took pride in his work which included many projects associated with the Space Shuttle. He loved gardening, dog walking and helping others. Retirement consisted of family, travel and caring for Patricia until her death in 1998.

Ray was big brother to six siblings: Darrell (Anna) Beach of Rockford, the late Darlene (Verlis) Sanders of Oregon, Wayne (Joan) Beach of Texas, Thomas (Barbara) Beach of Iowa, Bradley (Beverley) Beach of Chana and Judy (Donald) Hayes also of Chana.  Ray was blessed with fabulous grandchildren: Jennifer, Janelle, Jodi, Jesse C, April, Nicole, Bruce, Jesse M, Troy, Danielle, Mark, Megan, Amber, Tara, Andy, Aaron and Alec; also 26 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Patricia, sister, Darlene, son, Frank and grandson, Jesse Corona.

Special thank you to the nurses and staff at the LaSalle Veteran's Home and nurse, JoJo, from St. Margaret's Hospice.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11am on Monday, January 2, 2023 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle followed by a graveside service with military honors at Trinity Memory Gardens in Rochelle. Luncheon to follow at the Rochelle VFW Auxiliary. Memorial in his memory can be directed to the Lindenwood Union Church. Visit www.ungerhorner.com for online guest book and video tribute.

Beside a western water tank one cold December day, inside an empty boxcar a dying hobo lay. His buddy stood beside him with a low and drooping head, listening to the last words the luckless loafer said.