Racine – Raymond K. Biddle, Sr., age 77, passed away early Sunday morning, October 12, 2014 at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center.

Ray was born in Racine on November 17, 1936 to the late Raymond W. and Julitta (nee: Thielen) Biddle. On August 10, 1957, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Marilyn A. (nee: Roetzer) Biddle.

In 1958, he and Marilyn founded R & B Grinding Company, Inc. in a one room shop with a dirt floor and a single grinding machine. With creative problem solving, on-time delivery records, and a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction, the business flourished. R & B moved to Summit Avenue in 1974, where it remained for 19 years. Today, the family business employs over 175 people at its 140,000 square-foot manufacturing space located at 1900 Clark Street. R & B is proud to have employed thousands of local workers during its 56 years of business. With a profound work ethic, Ray remained active at the company until the end of his life.

Ray was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. He was a tremendous example of a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who taught his children and grandchildren the importance of a close family unit.

Surviving are his loving wife of 57 years, Marilyn; their eight children: Linda (Bob) Hess, Karen (Michael) Brandt, Susan (Roger) Roberts, Ray (Sue) Biddle Jr., Kathy (George) Judy, Barb (Larry) Lange, Robert Biddle and Amy (Greg) Miller; 16 grandchildren: Adam Biddle, Danielle Hess, Eric (Vicki) Roberts, Cynthia (Jake) Piotrowski, Michaela (Ezequiel) Gutierrez, Alyssa Brandt, Samantha Hess, Natasha Keiser, Lucas Brandt, Jessica Lange, Elaina Keiser, Natalie Lange, Claire Brandt, Ethan Judy, Molly Miller & Lilly Miller; nieces, nephews, extended relatives, employees and friends – too numerous to mention all by name. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Biddle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 12:00 noon in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark Jones officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in St. Lucy Church on Saturday from 10 am – 12 noon. Private entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials to St. Catherine's High School or to St. Lucy Catholic Church have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane & his staff and to the C5 staff at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital for the compassionate care and support extended in Ray's time of need. May God bless all of you!