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Donald Rajkowski Obituary
East Peoria - Donald J. Rajkowski, 67, of East Peoria passed away at 10:50 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, surrounded by his family.
He was lucky and blessed to live a cancer-free life since 1986 but died this day due to severe complications from pneumonia.
He was born Jan. 20, 1944, in Chicago to Joseph M. and Elsie (Struble) Rajkowski. His mother passed away with childbirth complications, and Donald was raised by his father and new mother, Estelle.
Donald married Sally J. Moll in Chicago on Oct. 31, 1969. She survives.
Also surviving are his three children, Elisabeth (Andrew) Barclay, Michelle Hahn and Philip Rajkowski; four grandchildren, Ty, Maris, and Mays Barclay and Kamryn Hahn; two brothers, William (Virginia) Richter and Richard (Flo) Tortorello; one sister, Torchy Dul; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Donald was a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 1115 in Spring Bay and of VFW Post 2078 in East Peoria. He was a member of AMVETS Post 64.
Papa Don was a loving grandpa who will be dearly missed by his grandchildren and the many other children he cared for over the years.
He was a self-proclaimed dog whisperer who loved and cared for many dogs. He enjoyed bowling and had a great mind for games like chess, word puzzles, Sudoku and a variety of card games - especially poker.
He was an avid letter writer and many will miss his daily emails full of jokes!
Don had a huge heart, was kind, and very generous; he will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Funeral services with military honors will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kurt Mews officiating. Cremation will be accorded following the services.
Memorial donations may be made to an education fund for Don's grandchildren at any CEFCU.
View his life story at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Rajkowski
April 20, 2011
We were all so sorry to hear about Don. Strange but I was just singing his praises the other day to someone about how much he did for our boys and how great he was with them. They thought so much of him, it was always Don this, Don that, Don said we had to, etc. We still laugh about that! He was such a good person. Our prayers are with all of you at this sad time and God Bless you.
Lee Anne, Ray, Andrew, and Bryan Cheek
April 12, 2011
Hi Sally! Sorry it has taken so long to let you know you have our deepest sympathy. I had got you a card but I couldn't find your address, so I thought this was the best way to let you know you are in our prayers. God Bless you and your family.
Jack and Ginger Stone
Cliff Oliver
April 11, 2011
We had been out of town and didn't find out about Don's passing until days later. You have our deepest sympathy. Don is a great guy. God bless you all.
Emily Swanson
April 6, 2011
Sally, Elisabeth, Michelle, and Philip,
My heart broke when I found out that Don was not doing well. You all are and will always be considered my family and because I have known Don for so long, and have even worked with him at the daycare, I understand how hard this is. I looked at him like a Father, and I know so many kids have throughout the years as well. I cracked a smile when I saw that Don considered himself a self proclaimed "Dog Whisperer" because it was very true! Carl always knew when Papa Don came over that all he had to do was dig through his pockets to find a treat, and that is one thing I will never forget. He NEVER forgot the small details, for me (like cutting things out of the paper for me to read about diabetes), and for my pup (like NEVER forgetting to bring him a treat when he visited). He will be missed greatly and the world was definitely a better place with Don it it. As sad as this time is, it is so very important to remember that he is in no pain now...for the first time in a LONG time. You all hold a special spot in my heart and I hope the healing process for you all goes well.
Jodi Alwan
April 6, 2011
Sally, Elisabeth, Michelle and Phillip,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless.
Julie Donaldson
April 5, 2011
Sally & Family,
I wish I could gather the right words to make your pain less and offer you some comfort. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Charlotte Keithley, Krys Divora, Bridget Malone
April 5, 2011
Sally, so sad to hear of Don's passing. Have fond memories of Bridget in daycare with Don. Eternal rest grant unto Don, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace, and may You bring comfort to Sally and Family.
Connie Helms
April 5, 2011
Sally, I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. You and your family are in my prayers. May God surround you all with peace and comfort along with the memories you hold so dear.
April 5, 2011
Sally, Elisabeth, Michelle and Philip - Remembering the many good times! Crying for the end of a dear friend's life here on earth. Rejoicing that Don is now embraced by Jesus. Love you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim, Donna, Kristi, Greg & Kim
April 5, 2011
Sally,
May you find peace in God's word during this difficult time. Reflect on your precious memories and know he will always be with you.
Prayers & Blessings
Paula Trone
PCCEO Early Head Start
Jerry, Judy, Zoe, Libby & Max
April 5, 2011
We are thinking of you all at this sad time. The kids just said something the other day about something Don used to have them do and we all laughed. He will be missed!
Kristi Bauer
April 5, 2011
Sally - May you be comforted by all of the wonderful memories of your dear husband. My family will be lifting Don, you and your family up to God in prayer. May you find peace and strength through His grace. With Love, Kristi Bauer
Jill Kennell
April 4, 2011
Sally,
May God hold you and you family in His Loving Arms!
I will be praying for all of you..
Kevin,Jennifer,Brennan,Morgan Lee
April 4, 2011
Sally and Family.
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. You were all like family to us for so many years. Don was a great man and beloved babysitter to us. We will never forget him. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Stephanie Polka
April 4, 2011
Sally,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that God would swarm you with warm and loving memories of your time with your husband.
Tammy Atherton
April 4, 2011
I work with don many years ago. He was a very nice guy. But he was a boss too . I like running in to him:always remembered me. He will be missed.God bless His family. In this time of healing.
Karyn Hawbaker
April 4, 2011
Sally,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you during this difficult time.
Erin Stout
April 4, 2011
Sally- you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! Lots of love and hugs to you all!
Lee Ann Isbell
April 4, 2011
Sally, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Angie Schurter
April 4, 2011
Sally, Elisabeth, Michelle, and Phillip and family,
I am soooo saddened to hear about Don. You all were like my family for so many years. We are praying for you during this time. I only wish I could be there to see you. Love to you all. Angie (McKinney) Schurter and family
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