Donald Rakovic Obituary

Donald Rakovic

Born: May 27, 1948

Died: March 2, 2017

Donald Rakovic, age 68, lost his battle with cancer on March 2, 2017.

Don was born May 27, 1948 in Berwyn, Illinois. He grew up in Brookfield and graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1966. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1967 and was assigned as an aircraft mechanic to work on C-123s. Don served a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1971. He met his future wife, Shirley Zaybal, in 1968 and they were married July 4, 1970. After leaving the Air Force, he began working at Electro-Motive in LaGrange, Illinois where he worked as a mechanic on diesel locomotive engines. Shirley and Don raised two children, Tracey and Daniel. Don retired from Electro-Motive in October 2003 before he and Shirley moved to Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Don was a hard worker and a problem-solver at many of the tasks he took on. After he retired, he was known for helping his neighbors with many home repair jobs. He was the Treasurer of his Home Owners' Association for several years. He was also very dedicated to caring for Shirley until her death in May 2014. Don loved bike riding, driving his Cadillac and walking his dog(s).

Don is survived by his two children, Tracey (Mike) Labus and Daniel (Kathy) Rakovic; one granddaughter, Emily Rakovic; his brother, Richard (Gloria) Rakovic: and his beloved dog, Maggie.

There will be no services.