Robert Raines

NAME/ AGE Robert D. Raines, age 67, of Kaneville, passed away following a long battle with diabetes that claimed his body but not his spirit on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at Provena Mercy Center Hospital in Aurora. BORN He was born December 3, 1936, the son of Charles W. and Mary C. (Smith) Raines in Albia, IA. CHILDHOOD Robert grew up in Albia and attended local schools graduating from Albia High School with the class of 1955. During his summers he traveled to Elburn to work at the Elburn Packing Plant until he enlisted in the United States Air Force on January 14, 1955. Robert served his country faithfully as a radar operator until his honorable discharge on September 21, 1956. Upon returning to civilian life he worked at various jobs including construction and laying carpet in the Kaneville and Elburn area. MARRIED Prior to his discharge, Robert would hitchhike home from Fort Knox, KY to visit his mother as well as his future wife, Marjorie "Margie" Molitor. Once he returned for good, he and Margie were united in marriage on May 11, 1957 in the priest’s office at the Church of St. Gall in Elburn. They began their new life together in Elburn for a time as he continued to work at the packing plant. Robert then continued his schooling to become a meat inspector, a job he dedicated the next thirty years of his life. His growing family would move often during the next few years moving where ever his job took him. After living in Geneva, Rochelle, and Michigan, the family settled back into the Kaneville area where they have continued to make their home for the last 34 years. MEMBERSHIP Robert was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in Aurora for many years. LIFE NOTES On September 1, 1995 Robert retired from inspecting and concentrated on his favorite pastimes of refinishing furniture and setting up Antique shows at the Kane County and the Sandwich Antique Markets. He also built solar boxes that helped heat the house more efficiently. Robert was a strong and loving man, never having a cross word for anybody and although he never like to ask for help, he was always the first to offer his hand to anyone in need. One of his great passions in life was the stock market. Robert enjoyed watching the ticket tape go by and tend to his investments. Robert also loved to dance on Saturday night. It didn’t matter where he and Margie went as long as there was fifties or country music. In later years it was in the kitchen where he danced with his granddaughter or just sat and enjoyed the melodies. SURVIVORS He is survived by his loving wife Margie Raines;Four children: Rhonda (Dan) Stiefbold of Montgomery, IL, Lauri and Jim Raines of Kaneville, and Robert Jr. (Laura) Raines of West Brooklyn, IL;Nine Grandchildren: Steve, Chris, Karyn, Sarah, Daniel, Robert III, Joey, Lindsay, and Jessica;Many nieces and nephews and a family of friends. PRECEDED He now joins his parents, one brother Charles Raines and two sisters, Mary Ann Spurgin and Norma Belongia who preceded him in death. MEMORIALS Memorials may be made to the Aurora Dialysis Center in his honor and mailed to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL, 60119.

VISITATION Friends may call from 4-8p.m. on Friday, August 27, 2004 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. Elburn.SERVICES A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at Conley Funeral Home, Saturday, August 28, at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow at Kaneville Cemetery.