Raymond R. Bielert, Jr

Raymond 'Robbie' Robert Bielert, Jr., 58, of Champaign died on Monday, April 2, 2018 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, April 12 from 12-1 pm at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St, Champaign. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 at the funeral home with Rev. Liz Reis officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.

Ray was born on July 1, 1959 in Urbana, the oldest son of Raymond and Sharon (Logan) Bielert. He is survived by his parents; his son, Christopher; his brothers, Scott and Brad; a niece, Keyaira and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout Michigan and Illinois.

Ray had a lifelong desire to learn. He earned an Associate's degree then went on to attain a Bachelor's degree from EIU. Even after he attained his degrees, Ray continued to take college classes in drafting and engineering. He worked as the Mail Services Coordinator at Parkland College for 16 years. Ray was the go to guy in the mail services industry. His peers considered him the guru of postal operations as he had tremendous knowledge of postal and governmental regulations.

As a child Ray attended University Place Christian Church. After a Vision Quest in the 80's with the Lakota Sioux, Ray began practicing Native American religion and continued this faith until his death. He also was active with the Boy Scouts and with the restoration of the swinging bridge at Camp Drake. Ray enjoyed camping, fishing and hiking especially in the Shawnee National Forest. His brothers will always cherish the great memories they made on Ray's birthday camping trips to Devil's Kitchen in Southern Illinois. 

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