Ray A. Nohl

Ray Alan Nohl, 68, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022 at his home in Roanoke, IL after encountering a problem that even his brilliant mind couldn't solve…cancer.

The second child born to Cecil and Maxine (Wilham) Nohl of Goodfield, IL, Ray began his journey in Peoria, IL on May 25th, 1953.

Survivors include one son, John (Angie) Nohl of Carbondale, IL; one daughter, name withheld; three step-daughters, Jessica (Charles) Bullard of Yukon, OK, Jocelyne (John) Ahrens of Secor, IL, and Janelle Smith of Danville, IL; three brothers, Terry (Laura) Nohl of Goodfield, Dale Nohl of Eureka, and Wes (Marcy) Nohl of Deer Creek;  thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  Although unmarried at the time of his passing, he had previously been married to Jane (Newell) Nohl of Morton, IL and Patricia (Troyer) Nohl (deceased) of Goodfield, IL.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Jim and Matthew.

Ray frequently said 'Smart people are curious people,' which is why his unofficial education far outweighed his Associates in Electronics from Mesa Community College.  His family and friends can attest to this because he knew a heck of a lot about a heck of a lot.  Some of his happiest times were helping a family member or friend solve a complicated problem.

He worked as an electronics technician for many years and later found he enjoyed building things, which led him to forming his own business, Nohl Construction, from which he retired in 2016.  Working wasn't his primary focus in life though; it was living and enjoying it.  His many interests/hobbies included hunting, fishing, canoeing, gardening, reading, and talking, which he would do with anyone willing to take the time. His mom said once Ray started talking, he never stopped.  In addition, thanks to the influence of his mother, he was a darn good cook and could handle a sewing machine with the best of them.  Later in life, one of the things he enjoyed most was his role as a grandfather and passing his knowledge on, including advice like, 'No sense, no feeling.'

He was fond of the Hunter S. Thompson quote, 'Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!"'  That was Ray.

Ray always joked after his passing to 'just put his body in the freezer or on the burn pile,' but due to legal reasons, his family decided upon cremation.  His last request was to have a wake on May 21st, 2022, with all family and friends at his daughter Jocelyne's home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodford County 4-H Shooting Sports Program, 109 E. Eureka Ave., Eureka, IL  61530.

Many lives are better because Ray was part of them, and he will be greatly missed.