Donald Rafalowski
Freeburg | Save
Donald Francis “Donnie” Rafalowski Sr., age 82, of Freeburg, IL, born on September 25, 1943 in E. St. Louis, IL died on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Memorial Hospital, Shiloh, IL.
Donnie graduated from Assumption High School, Class of 1961. He was in the U. S. Army Reserves during the Vietnam War. Donnie was a member of the Polish American War Veterans, Local #148 Retirees IUOE, and longtime member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church. He was a certified welder and retired from Union Electric after 28 years of service. Donnie loved the outdoors, birds, fishing, and was very meticulous about his yard.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents Frank Rafalowski and Thelma (nee Kinsall) Rafalowski.
He is survived by his wife, Susan “Susy” nee Pfeiffer, Rafalowski; his children, Krissy VanHoogstrate, Donald Rafalowski Jr., Jill (Dan) Baudendistel, and Luke Rafalowski; his grandchildren, Jacob VanHoogstrate, Ben (Ashlynn) VanHoogstrate, Michael VanHoogstrate, Dalton Morris, Blane (Miranda) Besse, Sheridan (Harrison) Morris, Brandon Rafalowski, Alexis Rafalowski, Elsa Baudendistel, Liesl Baudendistel; his sister, Judy (Bob) Chapman; his nephews, Brian Chapman Sr, and Darren (Dave) Chapman; and his great nephew, Brian Chapman Jr. He is also survived by his first wife and friend, Sandy Rafalowski and his fur buddies, Maddie and Holly. Don was very excited to become a great grandfather in October. He will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary Ltd., 9900 St. Clair Ave, Fairview Heights, IL.
Visitation will also be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, 1910 West Belle, Belleville, IL.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at held at at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, with Fr. Bill McGee presiding.
Burial of Donnie's cremated remains with military honors will be on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.
Kassly Mortuary, Ltd.
