Raymond Koterba Obituary

Thurday, March 16,2006....one year ago at this time, Ray, you were still here with us, who knew that before the day was over your life would be so cruelly snuffed out.... it was to be the saddest day of my life...my mother's heart shattered into a million tiny pieces...our family is not the same without you, it is forever changed...it has been said, "Time heals all wounds", but I disagree, it's just another day more without you....when you were born, you cried, & our family rejoiced...& when you died, all who loved you cried, & the heavens rejoiced. You will be forever in our hearts...I miss you so much, I miss the sound of your voice, your smile,your laughter, our many phone conversations, your special sense of humor...all of these, my precious memories, of the days that used to be, are all I have left of the days when life included you...If I could be granted just one lifetime wish, a dream that would come true, I'd pray to God with all my heart for yesterday & you.

A thousand words won't bring you back, I know because I've tried

neither will a thousand tears,

I know because I've cried,

you've left behind my broken heart

and many happy memories too,

but, I never wanted memories,

I only wanted you.

I promised you I'd never say good-bye, & as long as I'm alive I will try to live life to the fullest, for the both of us. Until we meet again, & we will, I know you are safe in God's keeping,& your earthly trials over, our family circle will be joined again when one by one, we are called home....Fly high Ray, you're free ....I will always love you...rest in peace...your loving Mother

Ray well our day is coming march 17th st Patricks day. I still do not drink but i will do a toast of 7-up for you and all the good times we used to have. my brother Tom always asks about you and says how he misses your sense of humor.Well buddy talk to you soon. Dan shanahan

Today, Feb. 16, 2006, eleven mos.

since you left us, and now I know as we're coming into the home stretch, the storm clouds are beginning to gather on the horizon, staring me in the face.But, now I know the ending will be sad, & yet again my broken heart which is still so raw & so wounded will suffer another cruel blow,ripping open the most fragile of scar tissue & causing the most intense pain of amputation,without the benefit of anesthesia, from the knowledge that you were taken from us too soon, without any warning & no time to say Good-bye. You know each morning when I awake & I know that you're gone, no one really knows the heartache, but I do try to carry on. When God chose me to be your mother, our souls were linked, yours & mine, & when you were called home to go on with your journey, you took that part of me with you, & when it's my turn to go on ahead, we will be together once again. There will always be a heartache, & often a silent tear, but always a precious memory of the days when you were here. I miss you & will always love you, you'll be forever in my heart. Until we meet again, your loving Mom Peace .

MY LOVE IS WITH YOU

My love is with you, oh sweet son what can I say?

My heart is empty without you each day.

The angel wings you wear must be so grand, if only I could reach out & touch your hand, maybe then we could say good-bye

Which could help dry the tears that I cry. Now I know that's impossible for us to do, so let's make a deal, just me & you

(C'mon sport) When I look to the stars at night, you look for me with all your might & when you see me, just shine real bright, & together we can send our love & say

good-night.

I miss you son more everyday, & the emptiness I feel will not go away.

You are my son & will always be,

my angel in heaven looking down on me.

You will live in my heart & I will try to be strong, because my son, in my heart is where you belong.

I love you Ray, sleep well my son.

I will always love you, until we meet again, may God hold you in his loving arms for me, missing you so much Ray, my favorite son, your heartbroken Mother, Blessings, Peace

Ray,well as we use to say to each other friends forever. I bet you are laying on heavens beach right now just kicking back and and enjoying your new life. later bro I will always miss you. Dan

Well, it's January 1,2006, I would love to be able to wish you A "Happy New Year", but without you, it's just a New Year without the "Happy". Sometimes it hurts to be happy, maybe it's because I have to try really hard. How did we get here? I really don't expect that I'll ever understand why you had to leave us, at least not in my lifetime. So, I will see you on the "Flip Side", like you always used to say. Blessings, Peace, missing you, Your loving Mom

Ray,

Well, unfortunately you weren't here for the Christmas celebration and festivities. But, you weren't away from us in thought. You will always be close to us in our heart.



We miss you terribly and wish so much that we could have done something to make your life easier and better when you were here.



Monty and I will always cherish the memory of you and Sherry at our wedding and reception.



We love you.



Tish & Monty

I always said the true spirit of Christmas was "Love" & being so blessed as to be able to share the holidays with the "family" who loves us...and even tho we were far apart in the past 6 yrs., we still were able to share our strong sentiments and affirm that love...until this Christmas, 2005, and it was a very different Christmas without you, but, how could it not be different?...it was a "Blue Christmas" and I miss you so much, more than words can possibly describe. Last year at this time things weren't so good for you, and I think of that all the time, & wish I could have taken away all the pain and all the sorrow that you had to endure, your "last christmas" on earth...who knew? Who knew it was to be your very last

Christmas? Sometimes we take the people we love for granted,we think there's always tomorrow and then when the unexpected happens, then it's too late, .... Only God knew, and now you are home with the "King", and all your "trials" are over. When you left you did not go alone, for you took a part of me with you. Your place no one can ever fill, in life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still...missing you Ray, my precious son, may you rest in peace,.... sleep in heavenly peace....until we meet again, may God hold you close to him, your loving mother

Merry Christmas to all of Rays family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this holiday season. May God keep you strong and may he hold Ray and all of you in the palm of his hand and blow soft breezes of wonderful memories through your souls. I wish for you all a blessed holiday.

Love, Patty

Ray, Merry X-mas to you and i think of you often.Tell the most holy thanks for dying for our sins and for all the miracles he has done for us.I really feel it was gods way of saying Ray you are to much of a nice man to keep suffering.So I think that is the reason he took you so young.i am so happy that you are at peace and I cannot wait to get there and thank God for letting me in.I fear God but I am working so hard to be clean from all evil things.Take care buddy. dan

Merry Christmas little brother.We miss and love you deeply.

Ray, well buddy I have not talked to you in a while but you are always in my thoughts and prayers.I will never forget you and I saw a picture of leonardo Di Caprio today in a magazine with his goatee and hat on backwards and it looked just like you.You even said you were going to be an actor one day.Well I got a glass of water and heres cheers to you Ray I miss you BUDDY Dan

Ray,



Tomorrow Monty and I leave Omaha to go and visit Sherry in Las Vegas. We always try to get together with her when we're there. Your name comes up in every conversation and we talk about how things used to be. At least the sentencing is over and we are not nervous about that any longer. Sherry was right there that day in hopes that she can get over the hurt, frustration and anger she has about how your life ended. You left behind a lot of friends and people who loved you and that must be a good feeling to know that there were so many loved ones. We will all miss you around the holidays and wish you were here.



Love,



Tish

Well here we are another month gone by without your presence, today November 16th,2005 and you know it doesn't get any easier...if anything time only deepens my grief, the finality, the cold reality of your loss..how I long to hear your voice, just once more, what I wouldn't give to be able to tell you how much I wanted for you, how I believed in you, and to know that I'll never have that chance again leaves me with deep sorrow. I tell myself you're in a better place and I know you're safe in God's keeping...but that's just to help me get thru each day, to work thru my grief...you brought so much happiness to my life, so now with you gone, how could there not be such deep sorrow. But, the thing to remember here is that not only will the pain last, but the sweet memories as well. My prayer everyday, which I believe William Shakespeare said, is "O God! Put back thy universe & give me back yesterday". So dear son, know in my heart you'll always stay, precious memories I treasure and you're never far away. We'll be together one day, walk in peace, Ray, until we meet again, may God keep his loving arms around you for me...Your loving Mom

Ray,justice has been served.FINALLY!!!Nothing in this world can ever replace your absence.we miss you terribly.love,your sis

Today, Nov. 3, 2005...just returned from Vegas....where a "modicum" of justice was meted out...it changes nothing,you are still gone from our lives, however I made a promise to you that I would be there on your behalf .. and that's why I went there....but, in the end the scales will be balanced...and I believe in "Karma", what goes round comes around....you were taken from us so abruptly, no chance to say good-bye, my heart aches without you in our lives...but, you will always be close to me...you will live forever in my heart, until we meet again, and we will, dear son of mine..I came across this short verse and it fit, "shed not for him the bitter tear, nor in the heart feel vain regret...tis but the casket that lies here, the gem that fills it sparkles yet....the only source of comfort I have is that I know you are free from all your pain and that's all I ever wanted for you, was to have inner peace and to know you were truly loved...you were taken from us too soon, and our family will never again be the same...you were gone before we knew and only God knows why....so go now, let that beautiful light shine bright.....blessings, all my love, your grieving mother

Ray,



Monty and I celebrated our first anniversary together and we thought of you and Sherry. What a wonderful time we had with you at our wedding and reception. Your memory will be with us forever. We miss you terribly and never had enough time with you.



Love,



Tish

Ray just wanted to let you know the SOX are up 3-0 in the world series. I know you are probably rooting for them now so we only need 1 more game and we win the world series. I will be up there with you before the cubs ever win another one but thats ok the SOX will do it again.I will always miss you buddy and we were true friends so I will keep in touch with you through messages and prayers. GOD BLESS

Dan Shanahan

Ray,



I spent some time in Vegas and saw Sherry again. Slowly but slowly she is getting better. This was the first time since the tragic accident that she didn't cry while I visited with her. She is a strong lady and I know she will find a way to accept the past and move on. I miss you terribly and every time we go to Vegas we want to hook up with you and Sherry. We both miss you and love you.



Love,



Tish & Monty

Ray, I know you are going to hate me for this but the SOX WIN!!!! Maybe the cubs and sox next year you never know. Now that you are resting you can root for the SOX in the world series.Take care Buddy

Dan

Ray just thinking about you again.It is really amazing we had more fun together in the time we spent together than most people have in their whole lives. You will always be in my thoughts and just wanted to say you were always very special and had such a big heart. talk to you soon buddy.

Dan

Ray good evening. I just cannot imagine how happy you are up in HEAVEN. You deserve to be there.There are no demons up there but they are all over on earth.I think about calling you and realize you are having to much fun up in heaven and u cant come to the phone. I can wait but it will be a great reunion when we see each other the next time. So buddy I will always stay in touch with you and I really do miss you alot you were a great guy and we will still have our friendship forever.

Later Ray

Sunday Sept.17,1972,A gift from God above.I was blessed with a beautiful,healthy baby boy. It was you, imagine that, your birthday and I'm the one getting the present. You were perfect in every way...not only were you born on 9/17, you were born at 9:17 a.m.,8lbs,8oz, 20"in.long..so exact..true to form, that was the way you were to be thru out your life, every little detail had to be just so or you would have a major meltdown. Today, Saturday, September 17th, 2005, you would be(should be) celebrating your "33" rd birthday today, but, tragically and sadly, not to be...and not ever again, for you have gone on ahead of us..our family circle broken, never to be whole again. Oh how I wish with all my heart, I could be sending you happy Birthday wishes and helping you to celebrate your "33" yr., but instead, we will be having a memorial service at your graveside to celebrate your life/mourn your death to commemorate what would have been your b-day. Even if the sun is shining today, it will be raining in my heart, for when you left, you took a part of me with you. I will always keep you close to me...you will live forever in my heart. Someday we will meet again...until then I know you are safe in God's keeping, so fly high, you're free. I miss you very much, my life will never be the same without you. Your loving Mother

Happy Birthday, My sweet baby Ray.

I miss you almost as much as I love you. You were right, our love was everlasting. Say hi to Jesus and fare thee well, my love, until we meet again.

Ray,cant believe 6mos. has gone by already.It seems like yesterday we were debating about politics,and you reminding me to vote.I miss you,and I love you.Happy birthday brother.

Good afternoon Ray just a brief hello. I will always miss you and all the fun times we had in Las Vegas and Chicago. We never know when we are going to go but I sure am happy to know you and my mom are laughing your butts off together but I am quite sure in heaven that it is the most beautiful place and I am glad you are there. Looking forward to seeing you soon. One day in paradise is equivalent to 1000 years on earth. Keep smiling Ray.

Later Dan Shanahan

My dear son, yesterday was the 5th month since you were taken from our world to return to your real home, I actually acknowledged that fact by writing in your guest book, but, I don't know what happened but, it never appeared, so after waiting a day thinking it just might show up, I decided to go ahead with a new entry. There's a well known cliche, "Time heals all wounds", well it certainly didn't mean the wound in your mothers' heart, because I feel that wound is irreparable, and it would take a lifetime (mine) for that to happen. At the time this happened I was walking around in shock and I was numb...just going through the motions for a long time afterwards...it all seemed so surreal, this was something you read about in the papers or hear it on the news, this never happens to anybody you know..I was not prepared in any way to hear of your violent and unexpected passing, and certainly not that way, so sudden. No chance to say good-bye, and tell you how much you were truly loved and meant to me.Summer's winding down and with fall soon approaching, I am thinking of your upcoming birthday. How we were blessed, a beautiful baby boy, your sisters were so thrilled to finally have a brother...September 17,1972, Sunday, the Lord's day...I knew how special you were, and I felt blessed to be your mother, and not a day goes by that I don't think of you and wish I could turn back the hands of time and have you back and everything be the same. My only source of comfort is that you have left all your sadness and pain for a better place, and I have my very own angel, you're free....fly high, my son....until we meet again, you'll live forever in my heart,I truly miss you , all my love, Mom

Raymond, my dear son, well today is August 16th, today marks the 5th mo. since you were taken from our world, to return to your real home, where one day (we're told) we all shall meet and be together again....the news that you were gone was something I never (even in my wildest dreams) could have ever even imagined happening, and to say the least, I was not prepared in any way to lose you, and certainly not that way, taken so suddenly and so violently...this is something you read in the papers, or watch it on the news...you never think this could ever happen to anybody we know...no chance to say good-byeand to tell you how much you meant to me, and make sure you knew how much you were loved...I was walking around in shock and I was just numb for a long time afterwrds...it all seemed so surreal...how could this have happened....there's a well known saying "time heals all wounds"but, they couldn't have been talking about the pain in your mothers' heart, because I feel that wound is irreparable....the summer is winding down, fall is coming, which is reminding me of when you were born...such a special day...the Lord's day ....not a day passes that I don't think of you and wish I could have you back with us. I miss you and will always keep you close to me in my heart...and now I have my own Angel ....until we meet again, your grieving mom

Ray,

I dont really dont know what to say. I still can't believe your gone. I was just in Mokena and visited your grave. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. Me and Dan T Found you and I did not Know what to think. I know we didn't talk all the time, but we had a bond that was understood. I would always do anything for you and I can't believe your gone. I will always remember you and the times we had together.



I Love You Ray,

Randy Wroble(lowski)

Ray, well buddy I think of you always you were really a great guy and the other guys in Las vegas wanted me to say they miss you too.

You just left us way to soon and I am sure you are at peace and happier than you could ever be.We will always miss you. I am living in Phoenix and Las Vegas which isnt nothing compared to where you are. We are glad you are at PEACE!

Talk to u later GOD is with us all

Dan Shanahan

Dan Shanahan

Ray,



I can't believe how much time has passed since we last spoke.



It was towards the beginning of last December, and I remember us talking about you coming back to visit with your family and doing our typical last minute Christmas shopping, and sitting down and enjoying a good stogie along with some "Frankfort Square hoop's stories".



I miss you so much that sometimes I think of you and have to excuse myself from conversations because I feel like I'm going to lose it and without you there, I know that there's NO WAY that they could ever understand my sadness.



Ray,

You were one of a kind and someone that I've always been more than proud to call my best friend ever!



Thank you for always being there for me and I'm sure our paths will cross again some day.



Love,



Mark.....Ok, Beaver

I see your face, everywhere I look,

In the clouds, or the shadows,

In the writings of a book.

I can hear your laughter,

In each and every song.

I pray to dream of you,

All night long.

I remember your face, next to mine.

Your sweet, passionate kisses,

Still linger in my mind.

I remember the love, you gave to me.

Such a precious gift.

Is now my most cherished memory.

I remember your words,

The sound of your voice,

You would have never left me,

If given a choice.

I remember one last thing you said,

Now it seems to fit.

Real love lasts forever,

Real love never quits.

Ray,



Monty and I just got back from Vegas and visiting with Sherry. Every time we get together, we talk about you and how you were doing so great and looked so nice and handsome, We were so honored to have you and Sherry in our wedding. We all miss you and I doubt if Sherry will ever be quite the same. She was so very good for you.



Love,

Tish

Dear son, today is the 4th month since you were so tragically taken from us.....4 months ago today the clock of time stopped forever for you, taking you away from all who loved you ...your time here on earth finished ....leaving everyone who loved you with such sadness and heavy hearts...all we have left are our memories and we cherish those, for they are precious, and that is all we have left of your time shared with us...time cut short....too soon..I seem to be having trouble with time ...I think I'm in a time warp, it seems only yesterday when I got the unbelievable phone call, and yet it seems to have been a very long time ago.....my heart is broken but goes on beating, how could that be? And with every breath I take, I still think of you and how your heart no longer beats, your eyes no longer see,and how I'll never be able to hear your voice, never be able to tell you how much you are loved, or be able to put my arms around you, I don't know how I'm suppose to spend the rest of my life without you in it...you were given such a rotten deal, so unfair, I'll miss you forever and then some....until we meet again, Ray, and we will, you will always be in my heart, it will always be that way since the day God linked your soul with mine...I miss you so much Ray, Love your Mom

Dear Ray,How you are always on my mind,especially today.Happy 4th of july.This day brings back many good memories to me.I was thinking when we were little and went to see the firework display @glenview naval airbase with our cousins and family,and you and Dave were break dancing on your flattened cardboard box,while every passer by watched in awe.Then we saw the fireworks that went haywire and were shooting everywhere and everyone was running and screaming and we were laughing.I miss those days.How we found such pleasure in being with family.I will forever cherish those memories.Thanks for bringing me back there.I miss you tremendously!!!Happy 4th brother.Love,your sister

Dear Ray,How you are always on my mind,especially today.Happy 4th of july.This day brings back many good memories to me.I was thinking when we were little and went to see the firework display @glenview naval airbase with our cousins and family,and you and Dave were break dancing on your flattened cardboard box,while every passer by watched in awe.Then we saw the fireworks that went haywire and were shooting everywhere and everyone was running and screaming and we were laughing.I miss those days.How we found such pleasure in being with family.I will forever cherish those memories.Thanks for bringing me back there.I miss you tremendously!!!Happy 4th brother.Love,your sister

My dear son, Raymond, This morning when I awokeI thought of you (as I do every morning)and I realized it has been 3 mos. today since you were taken from us...the passage of time has not lessened my heartache from losing you....but has only intensified my awareness of the fact that you are not with us anymore and it's the cruel reality of our loss and the finality that knowledge brings and there's nothing I can do to change things....people tell me life goes onand I have to agree, yes it does, for me, but life for me will never be the same without you...I was listening to a John Denver CD and Sunshine on my shoulders was playing and all I could see was your face and hear your voice... so appropos, you could have written it, so I called it Ray's song and dedicated it to you....until we meet again, may God keep his arms around you, I miss you and will keep you in my heart forever, love, your mother

P.S. hey Ray, guess what? The very day of your 2 month anniversary, after I had already signed the guest book, I received a call from Las Vegas Police Sgt. Hefner called to say the person responsible for your demise was arrested and now he will be brought to justice....how ironic about the date, huh? I mourn for your precious, wasted life , always in my heart, love. Mom,

My dear son, it's already been 2 months since we lost you, I long to hear your voice, and sometimes I get ready to pick up the phone to call you to ask you a question only to realize you're no longer here with us..I need for you to know how much we miss you....how much I loved you....and my life will never be the same again...until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand, your grieving mother

Ray always did and always will hold a special place in my heart. I express my deepest, heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends and pray that he is now at peace.

I have sorrow for Raymond's mother and her daughters. I have joy for the people who were a part in Ray's life. I am saddened that I missed all those years of his life. My thoughts will always be of him and the family.

my thoughts and prayers go out to Rays family and Ray will always be in my thoughts. ray will be remembered for being a great friend with a huge heart, with a love for family,friends,and life.We have shared so many good times together I will never forget you and I know we will meet again in a better place.I will miss you RAY-K. LOVE DAN MORAN

I heard the news recently, and I was saddend to hear of another childhood friend lost. I too remember the first day Ray came to Summit Hill. The "RUSH" T-shirt, who could forget. He was popular the first day especially with us girls, and it stayed that way throughout his years. What a great person Ray was and the memories I'll have are going to last forever. My prayers are with all of Rays family, & friends. He will be missed but always in our hearts!

My deepest sympathy to friends, family and loved ones. Ray you will always will in my prayers.

I will never forget the days Ray spent at our house. I grew up seeing Ray everyday in our family room, and in our refrigerator on Saturday afternoons when my parents came back from "The Jewel." Although I have not seen Ray in such a long time, I will forever remember his smile and laughter. Seeing all of the names in this guestbook brings back so many great memories, life is just too short. Goodbye Ray, we will all miss you.

I am truly shocked and sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will help you remember how precious Raymond was to all of you, and your family will keep you strong. I send my deepest sympathies.

I have so many memories of Ray. I miss the times we used to have together. But I know that I will always be able to think back, smile and thank Ray for being in my life. My deepest condolences go to Ray's family. I am thinking of you. Ray will be missed and I will never forget our friendship. Ray will always be my friend.

My heart goes out to Ray's family and friends. Ray and I were great friends growing up. I still can remember Ray's first day at Summit Hill. He was the new kid in the the "Rush" t-shirt. We became friends on his first day. We shared so many good times over the years. Although we lost touch, I never forgot him and I never will. I will see you in heaven Ray!

My heart goes out to Ray's family and friends.

I met Ray only once at Patty's and was taken by his bright and easy smile.

Easy to see he was a charmer.

I hope that Ray finds the peace in Heaven that alluded him on this earth.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Rays family. I've been friends with Ray since 6th grade(Summit Hill). I can't express how sad I am that this happened. Ray was such a great guy and friend. We shared many memories that I will never forget. Again I can't express what a great lose this is. I will miss him very much.

I just want to say i am very sad and Ray will always have a special place in my heart. We had so many fun times and Ray had a very big heart. He would do whatever he could for you and more.Ray I will miss you forever and see you in HEAVEN! Dan Shanahan

I just wanted to tell your family how shocked and sorry I was to hear of Ray's passing. I currently do not live in the area and am sorry I cannot be there to pay Ray my respects. Since hearing of the news, my sister, friends and I have talked everyday and have recollected so many great and funny stories from our hanging out days with Ray. We hung out together from High School, through college years and after. I remember the last time I saw Ray and he was the same great guy that I knew from our younger days. Ray will be missed by all his friends and I am glad to have had known him. I truly am sorry to hear about this news and my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

justin and i are so sorry to hear of your loss. We new Ray through the years he spent with Patty. We shared fun and good times over those years and he will be greatly missed and remembered.

God bless,

Sofia Avery

To Rays family, I am so sorry, There are no words to comfort you. I only got the pleasure of loving him for 5 years, I can only imagine how it feels to have lost him after having him a lifetime, I will miss his smile forever, you were my best friend Ray! And like I said last week I will see you on the flip side.And like Sherry I'm glad you are walking with God and Clancy. I will love you forever and remember you even longer. Bye Bye Baby

My heart certainly goes out to the koterba/Hosty family. You are a wonderful family, and I feel blessed to know you. Ray was a very good friend of mine for many years. I could go on and on about all the good times we have had together. Ray was certainly full of life, so much so we nick named him "spring fever." Whenever the sun was shining, Ray was always ready to go out and toss a frisbee,play some horse shoes,shoot some hoops, or just hang out. I enjoyed our times together, and I will miss him very much.

So sorry to hear of your loss. Ray was a great guy and will be truly missed!

My deepest sympathies go out to Ray's family and friends. Ray was a high school basketball teammate of mine...I am saddened to hear of his passing. wjw

Ray was in our wedding with Sherry Wade on October 26, 2004. We were married in Las Vegas and we met Ray through Sherry. We were visiting in Vegas again when we heard of this tradegy. We cannot express our sorrow to you or to tell you what a shock this is to us. You have our prayers and sympathies.



Tish & Monty Halstead

I already miss you so much. Now you are finally at home. I know there were rough times, but I loved you through them all. I hope you and Clancy are having a blast and you are now at peace. I'll love you forever. Your "Leetle Girl" Sherry

My deepest most heart felt sympathy to Ray's family and everyone who loved him.I knew Ray for twenty years and I will always remember him for his great sense of humor, his smile and his charm, and of course our friendship that I hold with the highest regard.Ray was like the brother that I never had and I will miss him very very much.