Raymond Paranto

WASHINGTON – Raymond James Paranto, 84, of Washington, died at 8:36 am Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at his home. Born on September 24, 1924 in Lemmon, South Dakota to Middie John and Edna Leona Weisbeck, he married Eileen P. Scott on July 2, 1946 in Baker, Montana. She survives. Also surviving are 7 children, Mary Lou Hopwood of Washington, IL, M. James (Kris) Paranto of Metamora, IL, LaDonna (James) Ernst of Washington, IL, Conny (Jimmy) Armstrong of Pekin, IL, Bonnie (Merle Jr.) Lee and M. John (Shelly) Paranto, both of Peoria Heights, IL, and Ronald Paranto of Washington, IL, 16 Grandchildren, 18 Great-Grandchildren, a special niece, Jodi Alwan of East Peoria, IL, 2 sisters, Joyce Petersen and Lila (Gene) Maier, both of Coeur d’Alene, ID, a brother-in-law, Dennis (Carole) Scott of Coleman, TX and many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, Sophie Krank, E. June Florey, and Gail J. Paranto, and 2 brothers, Clayton D. Paranto and Gaylord J. Paranto. Ray worked as a baker at the Lemmon Bakery in Lemmon, South Dakota during his high school years. He then served with the US Navy Sea Bees during World War II as a Heavy Equipment Operator stationed in England and Scotland. He also worked in a Body Shop in Lemmon, South Dakota. He later joined the US Army National Guard, where he helped organize the National Guard troops. In 1961, Ray moved to Peoria, IL and worked as a baker at K’s Super Value in Peoria. He later bought and operated Prospect Bakery in Peoria for 17 years before retiring. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus Father John Menco Council # 6707 both in Washington, IL. A funeral mass will be at 10:30 am Thursday, September 10, 2009 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Father Joseph P. Donton will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, where recitation of the Rosary will be at 6:45 pm. Additional visitation will be from 10:00 -10:30 am Thursday, at the church. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in rural Morton, where military rites will be accorded.

Raymond Paranto

September 24, 1924 - September 8, 2009