Raymond Hoven

It is with great sadness we share the passing of our dear step-father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who departed on February 18, 2026, at the age of 91.

Ray was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 22, 1934. He resided there until college where he graduated summa cum laude from St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota. He then proudly served in the US Navy as an officer aboard the USS Massey. After his discharge, Ray relocated to Illinois to pursue business opportunities, specializing in accounting and data processing. As a successful entrepreneur, he started his own direct marketing business. Later, he published several bicycle trail map books which aligned with his volunteer work with the Lake County Forest Preserve. In 1993, he married his beloved wife, Shirley (VanLaeke) Lentine.

A devoted member of St. Patrick’s Church in Wadsworth and St. Joseph’s Church in Libertyville, Ray was a member of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree “Sir Knight” guided by his focus on patriotism alongside faith. Having traveled to Peru many times, Ray was also a missionary there who preached the gospel and worked with the poor.

Ray was an exceptionally kind and joyful man with an infectious laugh. He loved spending time with family, and enjoyed bicycling, dancing and playing poker. An avid traveler, he delighted in reminiscing about his many adventures, including his annual family trips to Cocoa Beach, Florida.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his step-children, son Perry (Heather) Lentine of Park City, UT; daughters, Julie May of Knoxville, TN, Gina Lentine of Clarkdale, AZ, Lisa (John) Walczak of Wadsworth, IL; grandchildren, Dominick (Sarah), Ryan, Cori, AJ (Brittni), Jenna, Maddie; great-grandchildren, Aleyah and Kylee; brothers, Tom (Irene) and Paul (Rose); nieces and nephews, Steven, Susan, Lisa, Jeanette, Thomas, Eric, Elisa.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Shirley (Lentine) Hoven, parents Harriet and Raymond Hoven, sister Doris Peters, infant grandson John Walczak, grandson Brendan May.  

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate teams at Sunrise of Gurnee, Journeycare Hospice, as well as his personal caregiver, Dee Dee Harnett, for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Ray.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 9, at 10am, followed by Mass at 11am at

St. Patrick’s Church, 15000 W. Wadsworth Rd., Wadsworth, IL 60083.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves at LCFPD.org/preservation-foundation/memorial/

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee, IL. You may sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.

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