Duane "Ski" F. Rakowska, age 93, passed away on Friday July 12, 2019 at Heritage Woods in Freeport, IL. He was born on January 24, 1926 to Rudolph and Velma (Davidson) Rakowska in Waddams Township. Ski attended Winslow High School He served his Country in the U.S. Navy in WWII. He married Beverley (Lindquist) Dirksen in October 1976.

For 25 years, Duane worked at Structo as a Supervisor. After retirement he worked for Confer Chevrolet, Bocker Chevrolet, Wolf Hollow Golf Course, Park Hills Golf Course, and Freeport Country Club. Ski and his wife also managed the old Lena Golf Course. Prior to his employment at Structo he was employed at Esmond and Burton Deans Milk Distributers and Oak Brand Dairies. Duane was also very active outside of work. He was a charter member of the McConnell American Legion, serving as their 1st Commander, a member of the Freeport Eagles Club which he was President for 2 terms. Ski was instrumental in forming the Lena Little League program, and was a volunteer fireman in Lena. All his life Ski was a Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan and he was thrilled to see the Cubs win a World Series. Ski was an avid golfer, golfing many of the area courses and accomplishing a Hole-In-One on the Stagecoach course. Ski loved spending time with his family and friends reminiscing about his younger years on the McConnell farm and other adventures on the Pec. He also enjoyed the visits and time spent with Bernie Hicks.

He is survived by his wife Beverley of Rockford; children- Jeff (Patti) Rakowska of Lena, and Dana (Coleen) Rakowska of Freeport; and Lisa (Ellsworth) Dascher of Lena; grandchildren-Wendi (Adam) Handt of Janesville, Shaun (Brianna) Dascher of Freeport, Kelsi (Ethan) Lane of Lena, Seth Dascher (Melissa May) of Rockford; great-grandchildren- Ayden and Addison Handt and Vivien Dascher; three step-daughters- Wendey Larson of Rockford, Vickie Bruner of Beloit and Terrie Peterson of Chippewa Falls, WI; six step-grandchildren; sister Opal Weick of Lena and brother Jerome "Mike" Rakowska of Stockton and sister-in-law, Colleen Rakowska of Lena.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Doris, step son-in-law Clare Larson, step-granddaughter Stephanie Takala, two brothers Darrell "Chick" and Gary Rakowska and his beloved dog "Rusty".

Duane was a member of the Lena United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday July 17, 2019 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday July 18, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Officiating will be Ernie Stabenow.

Interment will take place at Silent Hill Cemetery in McConnell.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to: Comfort Keepers; especially Teresa, Hospice Care of America; Marley "The Boss", Cheryl, CNA and Nick; the staff at Heritage Woods and his friends at the Lena Retreat for all their care and kindness.