Michael Francis Rajkowski

Michael Francis Rajkowski, 64, a beloved son, brother, and friend,departed this life on September 11, 2008, in Knoxville, TN and is resting in eternal peace and love, free from the illness he had endured in this past year. A Chicago native and graduate of Weber High School and Northwestern University where he was a Chick Evans Scholar, Michael was a lieutenant in the US Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam before joining the banking industry with Continental Bank. In the early 70s, Michael moved to Long Beach, California, where he attended Western State University Law School. Michael worked briefly with the State of California Workers Compensation Division, before co-founding, with his law partner, David Robin, The 4600 Group, the first major California law firm to specialize in subrogation law. Michael had been retired for the past 14 years, living nearly a decade in Sedona, AZ, and the past five years in Clearwater, FL and Knoxville, TN. While known for his substantial legal and intellectual abilities, Michael had many talents outside of work. He was an accomplished golfer with a 2 handicap having discovered his talent in high school as the Golf Champion. While in Sedona, Michael uncovered a new passion, ballroom dancing. He was a competitive level dancer in swing and salsa, and taught advanced level classes in both, while also dancing weekly for fun. Michael was also a strong advocate and ardent student of nutrition programs, mind-body connections, and alternative medicine for health and had employed multiple techniques to address his recent health concerns, a path he fervently believed in. While Michael had many eclectic talents and interests, he was best known for being an extraordinary man of character, honesty, and loyalty, as his family and friends can attest to. When Michael spoke, he placed all of his personal integrity and commitment behind his words, and his life was a reflection of that integrity and character. Everyone who met Michael was touched in some way-whether by his knowledge and talents, which he loved to share, or by his simple, yet extraordinary presence. One was fortunate to be called his friend. Michael was predeceased by his mother, Estelle Puciaty Rajkowski, and is survived by his father Bernard, brother Paul B. Rajkowski (Jean), sister Barbara F. Burrell, M.D. (Jay), nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family and many friends throughout the country. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him and loved him. Memorial Mass 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 at Our Lady of Grace, 2446 N. Ridgeway, Chicago, IL 60047. An additional memorial service will be held on Sunday, Dec.14, 5 p.m. at the Alvarez Residence, 130 Starlite Dr., Sedona, AZ.