David E. Raht

David Elwood Raht, aged 78, passed away on August 21, 2024, after a brief but rapidly progressive neurological illness which shocked and devastated family and all who knew and loved him. Dave was a resident of Naples, Florida, and Wayzata, Minnesota as well as having lived for over thirty years in Rockford, Illinois.

David is survived by his wife, Patricia Raht; his former wife, Annie Raht; his children, Dawn (Clayton) Malaker and Andrew (Palmera) Todd; stepchildren, Bryan (Elizabeth) Benedict and Amy (Alex) Edwards; along with numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian Elwood and Shirley M. (Moe) Raht, and his brother, James E. Raht.

Dave was born on July 15, 1946, in Beloit, Wisconsin and spent his youth in Downer’s Grove, Illinois as well as Lisle, Illinois. He also spent summers in the Rice Lake, Wisconsin area where his grandparents had a farm. David graduated from Naperville Central High School before furthering his education at North Central College where he majored in English. He also proudly served in The United States Army Reserves, a commitment which reflected his dedication to serving his country.

Professionally, Dave was a very accomplished man. His career in the Insurance industry began in 1968 as an agent for American Mutual, then later at L.F.A.C. His interest for this line of work turned into a lifetime vocation and in 1977 he became a partner at Herrling & Schmidt. In 1985, a merger occurred with the Williams Manny Agency, where he became Vice President and focused on commercial Insurance sales. Williams Manny was then sold to Gallagher Insurance in 2017 where David completed his career as Executive Supervisor of Marketing until his retirement in April of this year. His association with other Insurance companies included the Council of Participation for USF&G, CIGNA and West Bend Mutual.

He was highly respected not only in his field, but by all who knew him. Dave found great joy and fulfillment in his career which never felt like work to him. He truly enjoyed performing tasks alongside his other partners, employees and customers, many who became close friends. He was extremely dedicated, rarely missing an unscheduled day of work in his nearly 55 years. The past 23 years he worked mostly from home but would travel to Rockford every month for a week to continue being a presence at the office and to meet with clients. This also enabled him to spend time with his daughter and son-in-law as well as enjoy favorite activities with his many friends. David was known to be a man of integrity and kindness and would go to great lengths to help others whether it be family, friends or clientele.

Dave was very active in the Rockford, Illinois community over the years and served on many different boards and committees including The Boys and Girls Club and Lions Club. He was once Treasurer for The Tebala Shriners, as well as Treasurer for Milestone, Inc. He was a past President and board of director member for Crimestoppers. He was a 40 plus year member of Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club where he first served as a Trustee then was President from 1991 to 1992.

David was an extremely loving, gentle soul who was a wonderful encourager and had a warm smile for everyone who came across his path. He had a way with people and could immediately make one feel at ease. Dave enjoyed a fun banter and was very quick witted. Conversations about

business and politics could quickly turn into a friendly debate. He had a love of sports and was a lifelong Chicago Bears and Cubs fan although they disappointed him all too often when he watched them play. It was fun to see him rub his hands together in excitement and leap out of his seat when a great play occurred, but he quickly got annoyed if the game began to go south. He would then decide he somehow was making his favorite team play worse by simply watching and would turn off the TV and find something else to do. In his later years he very much enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their various sports activities.

Dave was a man who truly lived the life of Riley. He had a great deal of interests, and they kept him quite busy. Over the course of his life, he enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, reading, watching TV and power walking to burn off his daily ice cream habit. He loved golf and continually worked on perfecting his game. For many years he enjoyed a home on Lake Jordan in Wisconsin and weekends meant time to enjoy a good cigar, a sunset cruise and fun with friends and family. Oh, and naps! Dave loved to nap. He also traveled to various places over his lifetime. In college he was known as a great pool player and card shark and had no qualms about competing or betting to take one’s money. His card playing continued throughout his life and for many years on Wednesday afternoons if you knew Dave, you knew where to find him! (at the country club playing golf and/or cards with his buddies).

What a full and beautiful life David lived! He was so special to all who knew him. He was very deeply loved and cherished by his family, which had grown over the years and his bright presence will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful husband, an amazing father and stepfather, a fun and proud grandfather (Baba/Papa) and dear friend. He was a devout Christian man who was grounded in his faith at a young age and privately prayed daily. We believe God is pleased by the way Dave tried to faithfully live by His teachings.

Sincere Appreciation to the dedicated staff at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis for the compassionate and dignified care extended to Dave the last weeks of his life. Special thanks to his incredible neurology team.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorials may be made in David’s name to the American Brain Foundation. Academy of Neurology to be directed to the Encephalitis Society, 201 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415 http://www.americanbrainfoundation.org All donations will be doubled between now and December 31, 2024.

A Celebration of Life with Memorial Service will be held at City First Church at 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Illinois 61114 on Friday, October 11, 2024. Visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the memorial service afterward. Luncheon to follow at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61107.

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