Funeral Details

RIP Mr. Raben. I still carry and use many of your lessons through my life. You made a difference in a lot of lives.

Judith Felix

Book club meetings were always enhanced by Ron's wisdom, knowledge, and stories. Always quick to help others, lend a hand, and accept challenges, he always brought people together.

"Read a book ten years later," he would sometimes say.

It was with great sorrow that I learned of his sudden passing. Wishing peace and wellness to his family. You are very fortunate to have fond memories to cherish.

Renee Anderson
Schaumburg Library

Renee Anderson

Ron was an inspirational teacher who inspired not only his students but also his colleagues. He was a always easy talk to, willing to share ideas, changing students' lives always in a respectful way. More than honored as teacher of the year by his peers, Ron was really a teacher who comes once in a lifetime.

John Blasucci

Colleague and friend

John Blasucci

Sending our sincere sympathies to the Raben family. Ron was an amazing mentor to my brother Gary, and a gifted teacher and director. Peace and light to you as you celebrate his life.

Nancy Cole Polancich

Ron and I shared a classroom at Forest View, and we shared many stories. When I had a cervical spine operation, and couldn't drive, Ron would pick me up each morning and, then, drive me home in the evening. On days before holidays, we would ride home, Ron would ,lower all the windows in the car, no matter how cold, blow his horn and shout, "We're free. We're free " out the windows. Then we'd stop at Bakers Square where he would run in for two pieces of pie, which we would eat on the rest of the way home. Ron was a very warm, generous, and funny person. He was also a Master teacher. He made live so livable. Shalom, Ron, my friend. I'm hanging on to so many memories.

Robert Stelk

I was a student of Mr. Raben in 1985. Even after all of these years and many teachers later, he stands out as one of the finest educators I have ever had. Mr. Raben instilled in me teachings which I will cherish for the rest of my life. To the Raben family, peace to you during this difficult time.

Ken Kujundjic

Mr. Raben was an exceptional teacher when I was in his English class in the late 80s at Elk Grove. His passion for prose and the written word of Byron, Yeats, and Shakespeare lighted my own interest in literature.

It was an honor to be his student.

Vu F

My heart goes out to the Raben family. Please accept my deepest sorrow for your loss.

I was one of the few teachers who, along with Ron Raben, opened Rolling Meadows High School going on 51 years ago. It doesn't seem like that long ago, unless I read: "51 years", when we were all young and eagerly welcoming the first classes of students in the new high school in Rolling Meadows.

Ron's direction of many wonderful theatrical productions and musicals will be remembered by many students, teachers and parents. The first musical at RMHS was "You"re A Good Man Charlie Brown". One of my filmmaking students made a film of students preparing for the musical concentrating on Snoopy played by Gary Cole who went on to star in Hollywood Films.

I also remember the performance of a freshman student who played Helen Keller in "The Mirical Worker". I don't remember the girl's name, but I do remember Ron explaining that the girl who played Helen Keller was not interested in the theater program and definitely not acting. But with Ron's perseverance, the young freshman agreed to try out for the part of the girl who learned who she was and about the world around her with the help of her teacher Ann Sullivan. The young freshman girl's performance was one of the best at Rolling Meadows and a tribute to Ron Raben who directed her and helped her to overcome her fear of acting and the apprehension of performing before a live audience.

Of course Ron will be missed if not for just his wonderful high school performing arts productions, but he will also be missed because he was a warm, caring and sensitive person who touched the hearts of many.

Ron Johnson

I’m so sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. I just learned of his passing. Ron was one of the most inspirational teachers that I was blessed to have crossed paths with. He is and will always be one of the greatest influences in my life. I am in my 31st year of teaching and Ron and I Crossed paths as his final year of teaching was my first.. condolences to Fern and the entire Raben family! May he rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord. I take comfort in the fact that we will see each other again in Heaven. I love you, Ron and I thank God for the gift of your life.
Blessings,
Tim Allaire

Timothy Allaire