ELROY MCRAE

Elroy McRae, 87, of Twin Lakes, died Nov. 2, 2011, at his home.

He was born Jan. 13, 1924, in Chicago to Irene McRae. Several days after his birth he was taken on the train to Fox River with his grandmother, Elizabeth McRae.

His grandfather, John McRae, met them with his horse and buggy and took them to their home in New Munster, where he lived for several years and attended St. Alphonsus School.

Later, he moved in with his mother and step dad, Harry Raduenz, to a farm a bit west of Slades Corners. There he attended Slades Corners School until they moved to Bassett, where he attended Bassett School for a short time before settling on the north edge of Twin Lakes, where he lived until his death.

In 1951, he married Barbara Brown and together had two sons, John and Richard; they later divorced. In 1962, he married Susan Pacey and they had two children, Michael and Mary.

Elroy worked many odd jobs in his younger years, including cutting trees, collecting scrap metal and paper for recycling, helping roofers and hauling lumber for Arnold Bushman.

In 1944, he became employed by Nash American Motors and finally Chrysler, where he worked mainly as a final repair welder for 42 years, retiring in 1986.

He also had a portable welding business from his home shop. While he worked at American Motors, he helped farmers and construction folks in the evenings and on weekends.

Retirement was spent traveling with friends in travel trailers, taking bus tours and finally spending many winters in Texas until 2005 when it was no longer feasible to drive such distances.  Day trips with the Twin Lakes Senior Citizens were an enjoyable way to keep busy.

He was also a member of AARP and the NRA.  He was a member of the United Auto worker’s Retirees. He was a deer hunter, first with his sons, then with friends, taking turns using their RV’s and finally the last few years with his son, Mike, until he had to quit. For many years he enjoyed taking his boat out and fishing on the area lakes, along with ice fishing in the winters.

He was happy to get together with friends and family for card games. He had many fond memories of family and friends, who helped make his life more enjoyable and never forgot them.

Elroy is survived by his wife, Susan; sons Richard (Barbara) McRae of Twin Lakes; Michael (Pam) McRae of Twin Lakes; daughter, Mary (Jim) Breen of Corpus Christi, Texas; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, John and granddaughters Nikki and Haven.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Monday Nov. 7, at Calvary Congregational United Church of Christ, 1511 Wilmot Avenue, Twin Lakes, with the Rev. Judy Wang officiating.  Interment will follow in the Wheatland Presbyterian Cemetery in New Munster.

The McRae family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Haase-Derrick-Lockwood Funeral Home, 620 Legion Drive, Twin Lakes and after 10 a.m. Monday at the Church.

Memorial remembrances may be made to Calvary Congregational UCC Treasurers of the Heart (Mortgage Fund.)

Well-wishers can sign his online guestbook at hdlfuneralhomes.com. The Haase-Derrick-Lockwood Funeral Home in Twin Lakes assisted the family.


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