Wladimir (Walter) Rakuc, aka “Dzed,” age 93, passed away from congestive heart failure on March 27, 2026, at his home in Rockford, IL, surrounded by family.

Born on May 15, 1932, in Sosnówka, Poland (Belarus), Walter was son to Peter and Helena (Kot) Rakuc and stepson to Jadwiga Rakuc. After five years in post-WWII refugee camps in Germany, his family immigrated to the United States in 1949, arriving at the Port of New Orleans. The family spent months picking cotton in Arkansas to pay their boat fare from Europe. In 1950, attracted by plentiful factory and trade jobs, they relocated to Rockford and built a home on the southeast side. After settling into their homes, his family and other Orthodox Christians in Rockford founded Christ the Savior Orthodox Church to meet their worship needs, with Walter contributing to the building efforts and serving in various roles in later years.

His strong work ethic was shaped in his early years following the example set by his family, and by applying himself in the classroom. He completed high school in Germany and later earned a U.S. GED for personal satisfaction while his children attended school. He went on scouting trips in Germany, played soccer in recreational leagues, and was enthusiastic about cars, managing all maintenance himself until vehicles became computerized. He sometimes wrote poetry about his homeland, war, and immigration to America, a practice he maintained in recent years.

Walter was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War in October 1952, serving active duty until October 1954 (28 Div. 109 Reg. M CO). After training in Fort Bragg, NC, he was assigned to return to Germany as a member of the 525th Military Intelligence Group, a unit specializing in the collection and analysis of information with potential military value. He was selected for this specialized unit due to his language skills, providing information for counterintelligence and related operations. He was assigned to enter German villages posing as a civilian, tasked with gathering information from local discussions and reporting his findings to his superiors. Walter consistently demonstrated a preference for listening rather than speaking, a characteristic he maintained throughout his life. After completing his active-duty service at the rank of PFC (T), he continued as a Standby Reserve member until receiving an honorable discharge in November 1960. Walter’s military discipline shaped his lifelong commitment to duty and honor, and he consistently supported veterans’ organizations.

After leaving the Army, he met his future wife while serving as a groomsman at a friend's wedding. On March 10, 1956, he wed Lidia Litwinchuk in Rockford, and they shared a devoted marriage of 70 years. He constructed the family residence where his three children were raised, benefiting from his devotion, guidance, wisdom, and love. Walter was always helpful with school homework, particularly in science, math, and languages, consistently showing his learning strategies were more effective than school methods. As a pack leader when his sons became Cub Scouts, he eagerly anticipated the yearly Pinewood Derby, excited about building a competitive car with them after plenty of cutting, sanding, weighing, and testing in their basement. And while he was proud of his children's achievements, seeing his grandchildren thrive as adults brought him the most joy.

Walter devoted most of his working life to the tool and die industry. After initially starting as a machinist and set-up man at Amerock in Rockford, he went on to work at Header Die & Tool and Dixon Automatic Tool Inc., retiring in 2001. He took immense pride in his work and had an uncanny ability to troubleshoot and fix almost anything, a trait he admired and learned from his father. Walter's resourcefulness and knack for diagnosing issues, finding solutions with available materials, and even improving on original designs was impressive. His hands were always busy, and his mind was ever creating up until his final days.

In his free time, he enjoyed visiting friends and family, outdoor trips to local parks, fishing, yard work, taking grandchildren to McDonald’s or playgrounds, reading, wordsearch puzzles, watching Chicago Cubs games, and relaxing in the lawn chair in his garage while observing the neighborhood activity. Walter was a good neighbor and friend, willing to help anyone. He will be remembered for his many talents and work ethic, and for his generosity, faith, and enduring commitment to his loved ones and community. Walter led his life with unassuming diligence and strength.

He will be missed by those who loved him most including his wife Lidia; his children Linda Spickler, Jim (Corinne) Rakuc, and daughter-in-law Lynn Rakuc; grandchildren Stephanie (Michael) Gambino, Alec Spickler, James (Kassie) Rakuc, Ashley Rakuc (Tucker Mathias), Ciara (Jared) Cacciatore, and Chelsea (Nate) Breiby; great grandchildren Jacob Rakuc, Nash and Marcella “Mara” Cacciatore, Elliette and Cal Breiby, and baby Gambino on the way; his sister Mary Anna Johnson; sisters-in-law Olga Lukaszewicz and Vera Fox, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; son Thomas Rakuc and son-in-law Michael Spickler; his brother Nick (Olga) Rakuc; and brothers-in-law William Johnson, Victor Lukaszewicz, and Ronald Fox.

A special and heartfelt thank you is extended to the entire staff of Northern Illinois Hospice, whose collective compassion and care provided comfort in his final years. For the past four years special connections have been made with countless nurses and office staff, who diligently helped when needed. It was fitting that Stacy, one of those many nurses, was by his side in his final hours. Their dedication stands as a testament to the kindness and respect shown to Walter and our family, and we are forever grateful.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 1802 Pershing Ave., Rockford, IL 61109. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation, or to a veteran organization of your choice. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com