Willard Ray Wilhelm, 81, of Garrett, passed away on Monday morning, November 10, 2025 at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL.

Graveside Services will be held immediately following the visitation at the Cartwright Cemetery, rural Tuscola, IL

Ray was born on June 28, 1944 in Ficklin, the son of Willis Roy and Geneva Mae Rideout Wilhelm. He married Betty J. Wilhelm on December 31, 1970. She preceded him in death on June 25, 2011.

Survivors include his children: Janice (Dan) Ochs of Oakland, Jacki (Mike) McNamara of Hammond and Rusty (Kelly) Wilhelm of Atwood, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, sisters: Rita Jean Brown of Decatur and Linda Kay Hurt of Adel, IA and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Joni Ogbara, 4 brothers and 1 sister.

Ray was a retired iron worker. He was a 50-year member of the Ironworkers Union Local 380, Urbana, IL.

He enjoyed fishing, camping, dirt bike riding, watching wrestling and westerns, working on cars and spending time with his family. Ray was a member of the Sadorus Sportsman's Club.

Ray was a loving Pop and Papo.

Memorials are suggested to the Wilhelm family.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com