Kenneth "Rico" J. Rakausky

Kenneth “Rico” J. Rakausky, lifelong resident of Westville, passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital on September 5, 2025 at the age of 75. He was born on December 22, 1949 in Danville, Illinois to the late Josephine and Stanley Rakausky, Sr. He attended Westville High School and graduated alongside the Class of ’69. Following high school, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country overseas during the Vietnam Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1972 and returned home to Westville to begin his family with wife, Kristine. The two would spend 20 years together raising their sons, Mathew and Nathan, before amicably separating, and they continued to remain close friends throughout life.

Kenneth dedicated over 32 years of hard work to General Motors as a millwright. Throughout his time there, he worked alongside many men he often looked upon as brothers. He was a proud union member of the United Auto Workers, as well as the American Legion and VFW. In his spare time, he enjoyed cultivating his garden, working on his house, and tinkering with just about anything. He enjoyed all sports, always supporting his local teams. He enjoyed his music, playing it loudly, and would often travel with his special friends; Julee, Suzette, Debbie, and Sharron, to mention a few, to see live shows of their favorites, whenever the opportunity arose.

Kenneth is survived by his children Mathew Rakausky, Nathan (Teri) Rakausky, and Kayla Rakausky; his granddaughter Tristen Jo Rakausky (Cade Lawhorn); and his brother Donald Wallace, and several nieces, nephews and extended family. Kris Anaya also survives, as well as many, many close friends.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother Stanley Rakausky, Jr.

A funeral service celebrating his life will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:30 am at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Urbas Chapel, located at 414 S. State Street, in Westville. A visitation will be held prior to the service on Friday from 10:00am – 11:30 am, also at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Danville National Cemetery with military honors following the services that morning. Memorial contributions may be written in his name to the Forest Glen Park Preserve. Please share fond memories, photos, and videos with Kenneth’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com