Obituaries

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel E. Ratzke, who departed this life on July 4, 2026, at the age of 66.

Daniel was above all a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a trusted uncle and a loyal friend. His greatest joy in life was his family, and he dedicated every day to providing for, protecting, and loving those closest to him.

Twenty-one years ago, Daniel met the love of his life, Betty-Rae, the woman he often described as the most beautiful person, both inside and out. Together, they built a life with unconditional love, laughter, and unforgettable adventures. They shared 17 wonderful years of marriage before his passing. Daniel often said that his only regret was not meeting Betty-Rae sooner. Whether traveling across the country, relaxing on a tropical beach, or simply walking hand in hand together, there was nowhere else he would rather have been. Their love was one that many aspire to find, and the memories they created together will forever remain in Betty-Rae’s heart.

Daniel was a proud father of three children. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Dawn M. Morales, whose passing left a permanent hole in his heart. He is survived by his sons, Daniel E Ratzke Jr. and his wife Sherri and Christopher W. Ratzke and his fiancée Ayzia Westerveld.

He was also a wonderful and supportive uncle to his 3 nephews Dave Ratzke, Cole Spurlock and Luke Spurlock.

His greatest title, however, was “Papa”. He leaves behind 9 cherished grandchildren: America, Sierra, Leland, Connor, Alexis, Helena, Raelyn, Delylah, and Romeo, along with 2 beloved great-grandchildren: Alaya and Jr. His grandchildren knew that they could never walk into Papa’s house without hearing one of his jokes or being asked if they were hungry. Dan was a feeder at heart, believing that no one should ever leave his home hungry. More importantly, they knew that they were loved beyond measure. He helped raise each of them in one way or another, teaching then everything from cooking family meals to life’s most valuable lessons. Without hesitation, he would have given his life to protect any one of his children or grandchildren.

Daniel spent his career working as a millwright, a man who could fix nearly anything with a wrench in his hand. He would work tirelessly, often holding multiple jobs, sacrificing hours to provide his children with every opportunity possible. His work ethic was unmatched, and he lived by the belief that hard work was the foundation of a good life.

Outside of work, Dan enjoyed riding his motorcycle, working in his garage, playing X-Box with his friends, traveling, just sitting around watching a good movie and spending time with family.

Daniel was welcomed into Heaven by those who went before him: his loving mother, Mary Lou Ratzke, his sister, Gail Ratzke, his beautiful daughter, Dawn M Morales, and his cherished mother-in-law, Elizabeth A. Olejcak.

Though our hearts are broken, Daniel’s legacy will live on through every lesson he taught, every laugh he shared, and every meal he prepared, and every life that he touched. He instilled values that will continue to guide his family for generations to come.

Daniel will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His stories, his humor, his generosity, and his unwavering devotion to his family will never be forgotten.

May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with those who have gone before him, and may the countless memories he created continue to bring comfort, laughter, and love to all whose lives he touched.

Sharon L. Arne-Cremer of Rockford passed away May 25, 2026. Born May 17, 1941, daughter of Irvin N. Arne and Edna D. (Olson) Arne. Sharon graduated from Rochelle Township High School, Rochelle, IL. She attended St. Anthony School Of Nursing, Rockford, IL. Sharon worked for many years in administrative, legal, medical and restaurant fields before retiring from her last position at UPS, Rockford, IL. She was a single parent for several years, raising her four children. She thanks God for being at her side and was extremely proud of the success of her children. Sharon had many great interests. She was an avid snow skier and skied at many top ski resorts in the United States and the Swiss Alps in Switzerland. She was a member of the Rockford Ski Club. Sharon loved winter sports and enjoyed racing snowmobiles. She loved music and playing the saxophone from a young age with the high school marching band as well as playing in orchestras and supper club jazz bands. Her favorite song was “In the Mood”. Predeceased by her parents Irvin and Edna, Arne, sister-in-law, Jaci Arne and son-in-law, Kent Kunz.

Survivors include daughters, Cheryl Kunz, Rockford, IL; Connie Linenfelser, Rockford, IL; sons Jeffri (Jennifer) Cremer, Rockford, IL and Shawn (Emily) Cremer, Arlington Heights, IL; sister Carol (Charles) Decker, Sedona, AZ; and Darrel Arne, Albuquerque, NM. Nine Grandchildren: Joseph Linenfelser, Rebeka (Andrew) Kohlhorst, Kelsey (Ryan) McNabb, Anthony Linenfelser, Amanda Quade, Kyle Cremer, Brandon Cremer, Noah Cremer and Brody Cremer. Twelve Great Grandchildren: Landon Kohlhorst, Santino Balice, Jacob Quade, Jr., Wyatt Kohlhorst, Grady Kohlhorst, Quinn McNabb, Anya Linenfelser, Nikolai Linenfelser, Sawyer McNabb, Scarlett Cremer, Luca Linenfelser and Sailor Cremer. Niece Katharine (David) Decker-Gonzales and nephews Ryan (Joung Ju) Arne and Steve (Kelly) Arne.

 A private graveside service was held in Steward, IL.  

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary & Clinic of Rockford at https://www.noahsarkanimals.org/donate or Huntington's Disease Society of America at https://give.hdsa.org/campaign/740121/donate