Raymond Rakowski

Raymond Rakowski, 66, of Belleville, IL, passed away on August 19, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born to Raymond and Lorraine W. (nee Yakubiak) Rakowski on August 24, 1954 in Belleville, IL.

Raymond met the love of his life Elizabeth while working at Nestle in Granite City, IL. They got married in Belleville, IL on August 24, 1983. They had one daughter, Diney, and spent 38 wonderful years together. Raymond worked as a machinist at Nestle for 24 years and at Kraft for 14 years. He enjoyed dancing to The Saloonatics with his wife, fishing, playing softball and basketball, but most of all, spending time with his family. Raymond was a loving family man and a proud “PawPaw.”

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lorraine Rakowski.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Elizabeth P. Rakowski (nee Legate); daughter, Diney Rakowski; grandson, Dylan Rakowski; brother, William (Nancy) Rakowski; sister Carol (Bill) Dixon; aunts, Dorothy Rakowski and Shelley Miller; nephews, Zachary Rakowski and Bill (Irene) Dixon; nieces, Lindsey (Brian) Hutter and Melissa Hart; great-nephew, Troy Hart; plus countless friends. Raymond was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, or to Barnes-Jewish Hospital who provided Raymond with excellent care.

Private funeral services will be held at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, followed by interment at Valhalla Gardens of Memory.