Raymond Carl Lenzi of Makanda
Raymond Carl Lenzi, with photo, publishes 11/6 in the Carbondale Times. $100 to Meredith Funeral Home.
Raymond Carl Lenzi peacefully passed from this world on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. He was surrounded by family on the farm, Bella Vista, that he shared with his wife Maggie, overlooking Draper’s Bluff in the Shawnee National Forest.
Raymond was born in 1946 to Shirley Wilcoxen, a baker, and Joseph Lenzi, a coal miner who passed away when Raymond was 18 months old. He and his younger brother, Stanley, were raised by their mother and his stepfather, James Bollinger, also a miner, in Farmington, Ill. Raymond worked as a coal miner during summers to fund his college education, never forgetting his humble roots or the family and friends who encouraged him.
Raymond moved to Carbondale in 1964 to attend Southern Illinois University. He instantly fell in love with the natural beauty of the area and became a lifelong fan of Saluki basketball. From Walt Frazier to Mamadou Seck, Raymond followed the team closely, always poring over box scores and Sagarin ratings when he had a free moment.
After a career as a professor of community and economic development at the University of Wisconsin Madison, and as a tenured professor at the University of Missouri Columbia, Raymond became an administrator and vice chancellor for economic development at SIUC. Raymond never stopped serving his community, taking on projects from establishing a daycare center for migrant families to fostering the establishment of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation and developing a much-needed continuing care community for seniors.
Raymond was also an avid student of history, a strong-willed Democrat, and an advocate for the equality of all people. His passionate desire to improve the lives of ordinary Americans drove him to seek a U.S. Congressional seat in 2020, winning the Democratic nomination. At the time of his death, Raymond was working on a manuscript about the local abolitionist movement and the role Illinois played in the North’s victory in the Civil War.
Raymond’s love of the outdoors came into focus in 2002 when he and Maggie established a wilderness paradise, Bella Vista, in the Shawnee National Forest. From this place, Raymond honed his master hiking prowess, leading family and friends on an annual Thanksgiving hike to Draper’s Bluff. His morel hunting skills were also legendary, as he wandered far and wide to his hidden stashes, well-kept secrets all.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 30 years, Margaret (Maggie) Flanagan; his former wife, Rita Lehker; his daughter, Raina Lenzi Gummert (Zach); his stepdaughter, Shawnee Bruno (Evan Smith); and his six grandchildren, Zeke, Taylor and Tori Gummert; Eilish and Fiona Smith; and Mike Hughes. He loved his wide circle of friends and family with whom he shared many stories.
Raymond and Maggie traveled far and wide, exploring his family roots in Italy, indulging in Maggie’s passion for Ireland, and visiting grandchildren from Chicago to Belgium. The couple was happiest hosting at Bella Vista, cooking together, and enjoying time with their grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Blue Sky Vineyard from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 10. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, send a donation to the Southern Illinois Community Foundation, sicf.org.
Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Raymond, visit meredithfh.com.