Phyllis Arlene Raufeisen

Phyllis A. Raufeisen (nee Luebbers)
of Hoffman Estates
Phyllis is survived by her loving, supportive sister Dorothea (Lenore) McIlrath. Together they
shared their love of family, reading and travel. Her three children. David (Srichan) Raufeisen,
Julie (Daniel) Thomas and Lisa (Mark Goldstein) Raufeisen. She was the proud grandmother of
six. Christopher and June Raufeisen, Megan (Chris Liaw), Jennifer (Michael Noar), Rachel
(Patrick Bailey) and Ashley Goldstein. Her heart was warmed by the smiles of her six great
grandchildren Brynlee, Lia and Aticus (Atti) Noar, Theodore (Theo) Liaw and Henry and Norah
Bailey. Willow and Chloe, her fur companions in her final time, were a source of much comfort
too.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Raymond Raufeisen of 56 years, her parents
Arthur and Dorthea Luebbers, cherished aunt Eleanor Crisp, brother in law Kenith McIlrath and
her beloved younger brother Arthur (Artie) Luebbers II.
Phyllis had a number of career paths (lab assistant, librarian assistant, real estate, early
childhood education aide). Her ultimate vocation was teaching and she ended her career as a
special educator in the Keeneyville School System. She was a voracious reader at times
consuming a book a day. In fact, her parents, aunt, and sister would share paper sacks of
books amongst themselves. She also loved to share books with her grandchildren and great
grandchildren. A book was a necessary component of any gift. She loved travel, especially
cruising and she loved animals. She was always willing to take in a stray and became the go to
person when children or grandchildren found an animal in need.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated for St. Michael's Episicopal Church in
Barrington or any agency that supports persons with special needs or animals.
Phyllis' ashes will be interned at a later date to rest beside Raymond at St. Michael's.