Donald Rahr

NAME Donald R. "Don" Rahr, age 70, of North Aurora, formerly of Oswego, IL, passed away following a bout with pneumonia at Provena Mercy Center Hospital Aurora, on Thursday, June 10, 2010.BORN: He was born in Richfield, MN, on October 4, 1939, the son of Orten and Carolyn (Lipford) Rahr.EARLY YEARS:Don grew up in Richfield and attended local schools. He graduated from high school and made the choice to serve his country. Don served his nation proudly and faithfully in the United States Army. Don spent his time in the service stationed in Japan until he was honorably discharged in 1959. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Upon his return to civilian life, Don found work in Seattle. He began with Boeing before he began a career in aeronautical engineering. A few projects he was involved in included working with NASA helping to build the transport platform that brings the shuttle to the launch pad, modifications to airplanes enabling different weapons installations, as well the dorsal fin for a Boeing 747. Later he worked for Illinois Bell as a systems analyst before working for Protective Door Industries in purchasing, design and installation. He retired as a purchasing agent from Warner Ladder in 1997. Retirement didn’t slow him down as Don spent the next eleven years driving children to and from school for Laidlaw. MARRIAGE: While in Seattle he met and married Katherine Braugher and welcomed two children, Scott and Dori. Eventually Don and Katherine’s lives took different paths. Before long, Don was lucky in love once again. He met Sharon Long through mutual friends. Friendship turned into love and their two hearts became one when they were united in marriage on October 4, 1976 at the Sugar Grove Methodist Church. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: They made their home in Oswego for almost 34 years before recently moving to North Aurora.LIFE NOTES: Don loved reading and music enjoying large eclectic collections of both, including Science Fiction, Mysteries and his latest passion, Celtic music. Bowling also filled his leisure hours, eventually acting as Bowling Secretary for several of the companies he worked for. Don and his friends took yearly trips to Florida for many rounds of golf on the links of Myrtle Beach. Driving and children were major themes, and not only because of his connection to Laidlaw, but to teaching stick shift to his children and friends. SURVIVORS: He is survived by his wife Sharon of North Aurora, Two children:Scott Rahr of Batavia, IL and Dori (Mark) Stone and their sons, Cody and Walker, of Union City, PA;Several nieces, nephews and many friends who will miss him dearly. PRECEDED:He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Ken and Raymond Rahr. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 4-6:30 p.m. with a funeral service to celebrate his life to conclude visitation at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at the Kaneville United Methodist Church. Rev. Jason Turner, pastor of the church, will officiate and interment will follow at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 16th at Kaneville Cemetery. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, Don’s family encourages you to make a donation to a charity of your choice. Tributes may be forwarded in his name to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119 or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 4-6:30 p.m. with a funeral service to celebrate his life to conclude visitation at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at the Kaneville United Methodist Church. Rev. Jason Turner, pastor of the church, will officiate

Interment will follow at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 16th at Kaneville Cemetery.