Steven Smith Rakow

Steven S. Rakow, 82, of Aurora, Illinois passed away on May 12, 2023. Steven was born on January 11,1941 in Dundee, Illinois. He was the son of Milton and Hilda (Smith) Rakow and grew up in Dundee, Illinois. He was a graduate of Dundee Community High School and continued his education at Millikin University, University of Montana and Northern Illinois University. He proudly served in the US Air Force and was stationed at Kadena AFB in Okinawa. After completing his service, he returned home to Dundee and his civilian life. Soon after, his brother-in-law, James, played matchmaker and arranged a date for Steven. The date was a success and it was the beginning of his life-long love with Ruth. Steven married Ruth in Aurora, IL in the summer of 1968 and they made their home in Aurora where they raised their children, Kimberly and Jeffrey. He worked as a Foreman at Nabisco for 18 years until he retired in 1988. He was fortunate to have so many retirement years and he filled those years with some of his favorite activities like attending air shows and cheering on his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers but his favorite moments included time spent with family. He was equally happy going on a fantastic vacation or gardening in his backyard - he was just content to spend time with those he loved.

Steven will be remembered for many things, but he will be most fondly remembered for his generous heart, calming presence, unwavering dependability and surprising skill at creating hilarious silly songs.

Steven is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth (Schubert) Rakow, his children, Kimberly and Jeffrey (Candace) Rakow, his grandchildren, Drake and Faelyn Rakow, his sister, Martha (James) Anderson, his niece, Michelle Anderson, his nephew, Michael Anderson and his great-nephew, Nicholas Benson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Hilda (Smith) Rakow and his brother-in-law, James Anderson.

Interment will be private at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Montgomery, IL. Memorials in honor of Steven can be directed to the charity of your choice.

To say he was loved would be an understatement - and to say he will be missed would be an even greater understatement.