MCCONNELL - Gary D. Rakowska, 71 of McConnell passed away on September 11, 2010 at the Lena Living Center in Lena. He was born on January 6, 1939 in McConnell the son of Rudolph and Velma (Davidson) Rakowska. Gary married Colleen Murray on October 30, 1960 in Freeport, Illinois. Gary drove milk truck for Ulan Schultz in McConnell for several years and later worked for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation as Highway Maintenance for 29 years and retired in 1999. Gary served his country in 1956 during peacetime in the United States Army. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #679 in Freeport and he enjoyed playing cards and taking boat rides on the Pecatonica River.

He is survived by Colleen Rakowska of Lena, 1 daughter Lori (Peter) Johnson of Hampshire, IL, 3 sons Dennis (Tammy) Rakowska of McConnell, Kevin (Donna) Rakowska of Lena, and Ryan Rakowska of McConnell. 8 Grandchildren and 6 Great-grandchildren. 1 sister Opal Weick of Lena, 2 brothers Duane "Ski" (Beverly) Rakowska of Lena, Jerome "Mike" (Marilyn) Rakowska of Stockton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister in infancy and 1 brother Darrell "Chick" Rakowska.

Services will be Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 10:30 AM at the McConnell United Methodist Church, McConnell, IL.

Rev. Doug Carroll and Ernest Stabenow will officiate the service.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Leamon Funeral Home, Lena, IL.

The Eagles will present at a memorial service at 4:00 PM on Tuesday.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.leamonfh.com.