Suzanne Rafko

Suzanne Rafko obituary, Monroe, MI

Suzanne Rafko

Suzanne Rafko Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rupp Funeral Home, Inc. on Oct. 30, 2023.
Suzanne Rafko
May 9, 1930-October 28, 2023
Suzanne Rafko, age 93 of Monroe, passed away the afternoon of Saturday October 28, 2023 at the IHM Senior Living Community.
Suzanne was born May 9, 1930 in Toledo, OH to the late Louis and Marguerite (Shriner) Haffner. She would go on to meet and marry the love of her life, Peter Rafko, on November 26, 1949 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Toledo. The two of them would spend 44 loving years together before Peter's passing on April 6, 1994.
Suzanne earned her associate degree in business from Monroe County Community College and worked many years at Monroe Automotive Equipment as a secretary, retiring in 1994. Suzanne was also a dedicated homemaker all her adult life. In her spare time, Suzanne loved to garden, travel with her husband, sisters, and brothers in law, and take charter bus excursions to the casino. Perhaps Suzanne's favorite pastime was reading, often completing a novel a week. Above all else, Suzanne loved spending time with her family and friends.
To cherish her memory, Suzanne leaves her three children: Marilyn (Chris) Northmore of Montrose, CO, Christopher Rafko of Spokane Valley, WA, and Julie (Robbart) Koutstaal of Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Marilyn DeBrosse of Toledo, OH; grandson, Casey (Angelica) Koutstaal of Boise, ID; and many nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and husband, Suzanne is also preceded in death by her son, Peter Lynn Rafko; two sisters, Barbara Drabek and Judy Dennis; and three brothers in law: Chuck Drabek, Donald Dennis, and Herman DeBrosse.
Family and friends are welcome to visit from 10am-11am at St. Mary Catholic Church on Friday November 3, 2023, where a funeral Mass will be held at the conclusion of visitation at 11am. Father David Burgard will officiate. A private family entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe.
In lieu of flowers, the family insists on memorial contributions to Gabby's Ladder or the Alzheimer's Association
Online condolences to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Rupp Funeral Home, Inc.

2345 South Custer Road, Monroe, MI 48161

Make a Donation
in Suzanne Rafko's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support Suzanne's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Suzanne Rafko's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Suzanne Rafko's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?