John A. Rafaj Obituary
John A. Rafaj (Steger, Illinois), born on October 17, 1953, passed away on August 26, 2026. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
He was predeceased by: his brother Dennis Rafaj (late Nancy); and his parents, Anne Rafaj and John Rafaj. He is survived by: his wife Jeanne Rafaj; his stepchildren, Kate McLennan (Tim), Kristine Wise and Robert Wise; his grandchildren, Branden Bautista (Kristina), Stephanie Burchell (Nate), Robert Wise Jr., Taylor Dixon (Jordan), Wesley Russell and Lizzy Wise; his great grandchildren, Lucas Burchell, Logan Burchell, Aurora Bautista and Anastatia Bautista; and his sibling Shirley Nussbaum (late Lawrence).
Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 1st 2026 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel (3045 Chicago Rd, Steger, IL 60475). A prayer was held on Wednesday, September 2nd 2026 from 9:15 AM to 9:30 AM at the same location. A Mass was held on Wednesday, September 2nd 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the St. Kieran Catholic Church (724 195th St, Chicago Heights, IL 60411). A burial was held on Wednesday, September 2nd 2026 from 11:15 AM to 11:30 AM at the Assumption Cemetery (19500 Cottage Grove Ave, Glenwood, IL 60425).
In Lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family, Tunnels to Tower (https://t2t.org) or the ASPCA.
