Raymond M. Karimu

Raymond Mudasiru Ajadi Karimu, age 78, passed away into the arms of our Lord on September 29, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years Margaret Karimu nee Boye; his loving children Ajibola (Naomi) Karimu, Rashedi (Dinah) Karimu, Sylvia (Richard) Duncan, and Haruna (Evelyn) Karimu; his beautiful grandchildren Lois, Bernard, Prince, Elsie, A.J., Aliyah, Georgia, Raymond, and Eli; his cherished in-laws Sam (Grace) Boye, Solomon (Beatrice) Manson, John (Jessie) Boye, Kate Boye, Seth Boye, and Grace A. Boye; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him deeply.

He is preceded in passing by his proud parents Ajibola Karimu and Wulematu Arikeh who migrated from Nigeria and settled in Ghana in the early 1900’s. He grew up in the Central Region of Ghana where he attended Mfantsipim Secondary School. After completing High School, he took several classes at Accra Polytechnic and other correspondence courses. He worked at State Insurance Corporation of Ghana for over 20 years before starting his own Spare Parts business in Accra. He moved to the United States in 1999 where he worked as an associate at Home Depot, Gurnee for about 12 years before retiring in 2012.

His quest for knowledge was evident in his vast collection of books which could pass for a small community library. It was his books that created the love for reading in all his children and the enthusiasm for intellectual advancement. He was active in his community and was an arbitrator in brokering peace in every type of conflict. His generosity was shared with friends and family alike and sometimes even with strangers.

Friends and family will meet for visitation on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 8:30AM-10:30AM at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL. The funeral service will take place at 10:30AM followed by the committal service at 11:30AM. Refreshments will be served at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 N Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064 after the committal service.

Dada Raymond, as he is affectionately called, will be deeply missed by all who know and love him.