Betty Rahn

Elizabeth M. "Betty" Rahn, 85, of Pekin, IL, passed away peacefully at 7:16 PM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 21, 1940, in Stillwater, MN, to Russell and Viola Sara (Gille) Lindahl, Betty lived a life marked by dedication, community service, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

On January 16, 1960, Betty married her beloved husband, Robert "Bob" Rahn, in Pekin, IL, beginning a partnership that spanned over six decades. Together, they built a legacy of love, entrepreneurship, and community involvement. Betty is survived by her devoted husband, Bob, of Pekin; her son, Mark (Tammy) Rahn of Pekin; her daughter, Colleen (Matt) Hannan of Pekin; her four cherished grandsons, Lee (Michelle) Biga, Matt Rahn, Nicholas Biga, and Jacob Rahn, Step-grandchildren Darah Hannan, Seth (Craig Resendes) Hannan, her brother, Russell (Marcia) Lindahl of Pekin; and her sisters, Bonnie Lindahl of Tarpon Springs, FL, and RuthAnn (John) Risius of Creve Coeur, IL.

A trailblazer in her professional life, Betty founded and served as President of Griffin-Rahn Insurance Agency from July 2, 1979, until her retirement on December 1, 2022. As a Certified Insurance Counselor, she brought expertise and compassion to her work, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike. Alongside Bob, she co-owned several businesses, including Bob’s One Hour Photo, Bob’s Portraits, and Economy Laundry and Dry Cleaning. Their entrepreneurial spirit extended to managing numerous rental properties, reflecting their shared vision and tireless work ethic.

Betty was a pillar of the Pekin community, deeply rooted in her faith as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Her commitment to service shone through her involvement on the Pekin Chamber of Commerce Board, Pekin Salvation Army Board, United Way of Pekin, American Business Women’s Association, and Pekin Kiwanis. Her contributions left an indelible mark on the community she loved.

An enthusiast of life’s simple pleasures, Betty found joy in boating, playing golf with friends, and losing herself in the pages of a good book. Above all, her greatest happiness came from time spent with her grandsons, whose lives she enriched with her warmth, wisdom, and boundless love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Monsignor Gerald T. Ward as Celebrant and Deacon Ernie Whited as Homilist. A Rosary service will take place at 3:15 PM on Monday, September 15, at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory, followed by visitation from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the church. Betty will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Pekin Library or the Pekin YWCA, organizations that reflect Betty’s passion for education and community welfare.

Betty’s legacy of kindness, leadership, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her family and community will forever cherish the warmth of her smile and the strength of her spirit.