Raymond J. Drufke

Raymond Joseph Drufke, 71, of Huntley, passed away peacefully at JourneyCare in Barrington on Saturday, June 11th, 2016. Ray was born to Raymond and Charlotte Drufke on November 12th, 1944 in Kingman, AZ. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Chicago and then to Norridge, IL, where they lived in neighborhoods surrounded by family and friends. In 1973, he married Barbara Zdun in Pittsville, WI. They began their married life in Chicago, but moved to Algonquin in 1975, where Ray enjoyed living on the banks of the Fox River. In 1985, Ray and Barbara moved their family to Huntley, where Ray immediately began renovating the small home they had purchased on five acres of farmland. Ray did the vast majority of work on the home with his own two hands, learning as he went by checking out books from the local library. As a child, Ray was often caught by his parents dismantling small appliances, such as the family's toaster, to see how they worked. The mechanical skills he developed over time served him well during his career in the coil coating industry. He eventually became an independent consultant and created the New Amsterdam Corporation. Through this business he travelled across the United States and around the world, consulting on projects in Brazil, China, Russia, Australia, Venezuela, Mexico, Bangladesh, India and Oman. One of the things he enjoyed most about his travels was the opportunity to interact with people of all different cultures and backgrounds. The friendships he formed during his travels remained with him throughout his life. Ray was well known by his family and friends for his adventurous nature and sense of curiosity about the world. It never occurred to him that there might be something he couldn't do. His 71 years were filled with activities and projects which included obtaining his pilot's license, scuba diving, oil painting, writing a novel, running for the local library board, door to door campaigning for political candidates, constructing an elaborate treehouse for his grandchildren, and becoming a tutor and board member with The Literacy Connection in Elgin. As an avid reader himself, Ray especially enjoyed being able to share this gift with others. Ray was predeceased by his parents, sister Christine Drufke, and close cousin Geraldine Raymond. He is survived by his wife Barbara, three children, Natasha (John) Fischer of Hampshire, Tracy (Seth) Goldkamp of St. Louis, MO, and Matthew Drufke of Aurora, two nieces whom he loved as his own children, Sarah (Karen) Hopley of Murray, KY, and Sally Hopley, of Omaha, NE, and five grandchildren, Conrad Drufke and Ruth, Martha, Miriam and Ezra Goldkamp. He is also survived by a sister, Cheryl Wortley, close cousin and home-building partner Fred Raymond, and sisters- and brothers-in-law Bernard Zdun, Mary Zdun, and James and Ann Richel. Out of all of Ray's accomplishments, his family was the most important to him. We have been abundantly blessed. Despite his many achievements, Ray was a simple man who never cared much for formalities. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. All who knew and loved Ray are asked to remember him in their hearts and think of him fondly and often. For those who would like to honor Ray in a more tangible way, please consider a donation to The Literacy Connection, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin IL 60120 (elginliteracy.org).

Raymond J. Drufke

November 12, 1944 - June 11, 2016