Cleo M. Tazbier

Cleo M. Tazbier (Rakow) age 75, of Lake in the Hills, Illinois passed away on January 23, 2025. She was born in Des Plaines, Illinois on March 17, 1949 the daughter of John W. and Ethel M. (Gerken) Rakow.

She started her working career in the late 60’s, as a dispatcher with Montgomery Ward. Shortly after marrying her high school sweetheart in August 1969, she started the “job” that she adored - being a stay at home mom. She woke up early every morning to pour a bowl of cereal for her husband and kids, make their brown bag lunches, and send them off to start their day. In the winter she would brave the cold to start her husband’s car and clear the snow off the driveway. Every night she would have a homemade dinner waiting for them.

Cle worked out of the home at part time jobs after her kids were in high school. She worked at Top Stoppe, a little grocery store just around the corner from the house. After Top Stoppe closed, she and her co-worker turned friend Lynn started working for a house cleaning company. Her most recent job she had before she retired was working at Burger King.

She enjoyed cheering on her eldest son at his baseball games, and talking with him about how the Cubs and Bears were doing. She enjoyed going to craft shows, shopping with her daughter, and attending and hosting Tupperware, Home Interiors, and Pampered Chef parties. She enjoyed rooting her youngest son on when he was racing dirt bikes and BMX bikes. She loved getting together with family and friends, and always made you feel welcome and at home.

Cle was so thrilled when her eldest son and his wife announced that she was going to be a grandma. In 2015, her first grandson was born. In 2016 she was blessed again when her second grandson was born to her youngest son. She adored hearing the boys call her “Grandma T”.

Cle is survived by her loving children, Dale Jr. (Rachael) Tazbier, Kimberly (Tom) Colburn, and Jeff Tazbier; her cherished grandchildren, Gavin and Cooper, her dear brother-in-law Chris Tazbier; and many cherished nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents, Cle was preceded in death by her husband Dale Sr.; sisters Joan Pope, Miriam Inglis; her brothers John Rakow, Rich Rakow; her sister-in-laws; Ann Tazbier, Anna Lou Tazbier; brother-in-laws; Brian Pope, Tom Inglis, Jim Tazbier, Donald Tazbier, and her nephew Duane Tazbier.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM along with a eulogy service to begin at 7:00 PM that evening all at Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care 1415 W. Algonquin Rd., (one half mile east of Randall Rd.) Algonquin/Lake in the Hills.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the memorial fund to help pay for the final expenses.

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