Edward John Raley

Edward John Raley

Iowa City

Edward John Raley, 95, passed away on September 4, 2024, in Coralville, IA. Born January 20, 1929, Edward was one of four boys born to Luther and Lillian (Mitchell) Raley.

He graduated from Polo, IL high school and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University, Normal, IL. He then served In the Air Force four years before earning a master’s degree from Indiana University, Bloomington. Education was his passion and his career, first as a Physical Education teacher in suburban Chicago and later as the founding principal of Wood Oaks Jr High, a role he embraced until his retirement in 1989.

Edward was a member of the North Shore Unitarian Church, Deerfield, IL, and later the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City, reflecting his commitment to faith and community.

Edward was a talented athlete and musician. He enjoyed playing basketball and tennis, saxophone and harmonica, as well as singing. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Joan; twin brother, Edmund Raley; sons, John and Rob Raley; daughter, Nancy Bush; and son-in-law, Jonathan Haile; 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Lillian (Mitchell) Raley; daughter, Jane Raley Haile; and brothers, Robert and Wayne Raley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 18, at Grand Living in Coralville, IA from 2-3 pm. Memorial donations may be made to North Shore Unitarian Church at nsuc.org ‘Give’ or mailed to the Polo Lifeline Food & Self Help Project, 113 N Green, Suite A, Polo IL 61064.

The family offers its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the kind and capable staff at Grand Living for making his final years happy and comfortable; as well as to the medical professionals at the University of Iowa Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care in the last two months.

Edward’s life was a testament to his values of education, service, and family. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him.