Ray M. Steil, 74, of Aurora, died Saturday in Copley Memorial Hospital, Aurora. Mr. Steil was the owner and operator of Aurora Beverage Distributors, founded by his father in 1929. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Aurora. He was a member of the Illinois Police Association, Aurora Turners Club, Phoenix Club, the Knights of Columbus 736, Wild Rose Social Club, American Legion Post 1271 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1197. He was an Army veteran of World War II, having served in the China-Burma-India theater. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; a son, Ken; three daughters, Janice Watson, Kristen Chrnko and Rae Thomas; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Daleiden Lake Street Mortuary, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora.
