Raymond Charles Black of Guttenberg, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026.

No services will be held at this time.

Ray was born on April 13, 1934, in Wausau, Wis. to Rose and Raymond Black.

Ray married Beverly LaBuy on July 30, 1954, in Chicago, Ill. They moved their growing family to Wheaton in 1960. A master plumber, Ray was the project manager for Litvin Plumbing where he was the designer of all the plumbing aspects for the John Hancock Building in Chicago. During the five years of construction, Ray was often involved in correcting and improving on the original design and specifications. In the 1970’s Ray purchased Gehrett Plumbing in Elmhurst Illinois and later opened R.C. Black Co. plumbing and supply in Sycamore, Illinois.

When Ray finally retired in 2013, he and Beverly moved to Guttenberg. Always a man with vision, determination and amazing work ethic he soon became the president of the Guttenberg Heritage Society and spearheaded the capital campaign to restore the Lockmaster House Heritage Museum to its original glory.

Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman and shared his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He loved classical music and studying history, (especially anything to do with Abraham Lincoln) but his greatest love was his family. He claimed that he never got in a fight with his wife. Whenever there was a disagreement between the two, he would end the discussion by simply saying “You’re probably right Beverly.”

Ray will be loved and missed by many whose lives he touched with his strong work ethic balanced with kindness and humor. He was a humble man whose credo was to “get your hands out of your pockets and get to work!”

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Beverly; their nine children, Ginny Alaniz, Michael, James (Kathryn), David (Dinah), Steven (Angela), Mary, Suzanne Morency, Charles (Stephanie) and Daniel (Heather); his sister, Ellen Sandkam; 25 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped care for him during his final days on earth. A man of great faith, we know he is now at peace with his Lord and Savior in Heaven.

Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.