Raul "Rudy" Torres

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Raul “Rudy” Torres born August 24, 1959. A beloved father, son, brother, father-in-law, and grandfather who went home to the Lord after a long and courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease. While our hearts ache in his absence we find peace in knowing he is no longer in pain. He is restored, whole, and finally at rest.

To those who knew him best, Rudy was a lover of Jesus and ministry, loved a good laugh, and found comfort in playing his guitar. Even through his later years he was known to never leave a plate of food empty, and he was the best at making sure nothing was wasted. Julianna was a constant and reliable staple in his routine while he needed extra care. He loved the time he was able to spend with her- especially their food dates. He never said no to getting a pizza and loved spending with his family. He had a way of making those close to him feel wrapped in love. His presence was something deeply cherished.

In his later years, illness changed much of what we could see and how he interacted day to day. Although his decline was apparent it could never change who we knew was in there. Though there were moments when he seemed far from the man we remembered, glimpses of him would shine through reminding us that he was always there, still loving, still fighting, still Rudy.

He loved his children more than words could ever express, and that love will remain with them always. He is survived by his triplets, Andre Torres and his longtime girlfriend, Mary Bauer; Nina (Ronnie) Dunlap; and Julianna Torres and her fiancé, Devin Warning; the mother of his children, Lisa; his cherished granddaughter, Lindsay Dunlap; as well as his loving mother, Maria; and devoted sisters, Rosemary (Albert) Botta, Maria “Mollie” (Michael) Taylor, and Cristina (Patrick) Hackett, who will all carry his memory in their hearts forever. He was also a beloved uncle and great-uncle who cherished his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Rudy was preceded in death by his father, Alejo Torres; his sister, Maria “Alma” Pulido; his brother, Enrique “Henry” Torres; his sister-in-law, Helene Torres; and his nephew, Eric Torres. 

There is a unique kind of grief in losing someone who meant so much, but also a quiet gratitude in knowing they are free from suffering. Though our time together in this life feels far too short, we hold tightly to the love, the memories, and the man he was at his core.He will be deeply missed every single day but never forgotten. Forever loved, forever remembered.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of Rudy's Celebration of Life service at 7:00 p.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home located at 1500 Black Road - Joliet, IL 60435.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL 815-735-2125.