Donald “Don” Adrian Rokaitis

Donald “Don” Adrian Rokaitis

Cedar Rapids

Donald Adrian Rokaitis, 81, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held Friday, February 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Interment will be at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Chicago, Ill. at a later date where Military Honors will be rendered.

Don was born December 25, 1943, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Stanley Rokaitis and Barbara Lindzius Rokaitis. Don graduated from De Lesalle High School in 1961 and studied at Lewis University. He joined the army in 1964 and served honorably until he was discharged in 1970. He was an expert rifleman and earned the National Defense Service Medal.

Don married Arlene Stender on June 26, 1968, at Our Lady of Lorretta in Hometown, Ill. They lived in the Chicagoland area for over 30 years. They had one child, Alyson. They enjoyed cycling together and traveling to Door County, Wis. Although they divorced in 2002, they remained close friends throughout the years.

Don worked at Liquid Carbonic in many different positions, including Regional Cylinder Control Manager. He retired after 35 years and ran a consulting business for another 5 years. After retiring, Don enjoyed almost two decades living in Ellenton, Fla. before moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2022. He resided at CountryHouse Residence for Memory Care in Cedar Rapids.

Don especially loved cars. He could name the model and year of any classic car. He owned a 1965 Ford Mustang for many years and bringing it to car shows was especially joyful for him. He was a member of the Northern Illinois Shelby Club. He also enjoyed model railroading and had a large N scale railroad set in his basement. Don was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Darien, Ill. and Holy Cross Church in Palmetto, Fla.

Remaining to cherish Don’s memory are his ex-wife, Arlene; daughter, Alyson (Duane Vitzthum); and granddaughter, Sophia, along with several nephews.

Preceding Don in death are his parents, Stanley and Barbara Rokaitis and sister, Vivian (Ray) Vanaria.

Memorial donations in Don’s memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.