Donald J. Rajkowski

East Peoria, IL – Donald J. Rajkowski, 67, of East Peoria passed away at 10:50 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria surrounded by his family. He was lucky and blessed to live a cancer free life since 1986 but died this day due to severe complications from pneumonia.

He was born Jan. 20, 1944 in Chicago to Joseph M. and Elsie (Struble) Rajkowski. His mother passed away with childbirth complications and Donald was raised by his father and new mother, Estelle. Donald married Sally J. Moll in Chicago on Oct. 31, 1969. She survives.

Also surviving are his three children, Elisabeth (Andrew) Barclay, Michelle Hahn, Philip Rajkowski; four grandchildren, Ty, Maris, and Mays Barclay, and Kamryn Hahn; two brothers, William (Virginia) Richter, Richard (Flo) Tortorello; one sister, Torchy Dul; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Donald was a US Navy Vietnam Veteran. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 1115 in Spring Bay, and of VFW Post 2078 in East Peoria, and a member of Amvets Post 64.

Papa Don was a loving Grandpa who will be dearly missed by his grandchildren and the many other children he cared for over the years. He was a self proclaimed dog whisperer who loved and cared for many dogs. He enjoyed bowling and had a great mind for games like chess, word puzzles, Sudoku, and a variety of card games- especially poker. He was an avid letter writer and many will miss his daily emails full of jokes! Don had a huge heart, was kind, and very generous; he will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Funeral Services with Military Honors will follow at 6 p.m. at the Funeral Home with Rev. Kurt Mews officiating. Cremation will be accorded following the services.

Memorial donations may be made to an education fund for Don’s grandchildren at any CEFCU.