Poplar Grove, ILRaymond A. Palka, 56, of Poplar Grove, IL died peacefully, Wednesday evening February 13, 2013 in his home surrounded by his loving family from complications of Stage 4 Lung Cancer. Ray was born July 13, 1956 in Hammond, Indiana the son of Stas and Anna (Wrona) Palka. He married Wendy J. Sanders on June 27, 1992 in Poplar Grove, IL. Ray worked for Carlson Distributors for 25 years; he then worked for Candlewick Lake Association, Edwards Apple Orchard and the Rockford Park District. Ray was a member of the Northern Illinois Bass Masters. He was also a member of the Poplar Grove Lions Club and was a former trustee for the Poplar Grove United Methodist Church where he was a member.Ray is loved and will be missed by his wife Wendy; children Lindsey and Alex both at home; brother Stan (Maureen) Palka of Belvidere; sister Bernie (Gary) Gamlin of Bowling Green, KY; sister in-law Rhonda (Hal) Sutton of Rockton, IL; brother in-law John (Gina) Sanders of Belvidere, IL; many nieces and nephews. Ray is predeceased by his parents and brother Denny Palka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in care of the family.