Donald C. Raths, 87, of Downers Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Born on October 14, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Don was the son of Marian and Herbert Raths and grew up alongside his siblings, Charles, Martha, and Herbert.
Don was a proud Spartan who earned his degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University in 1964. He began his career in structural engineering with Carl Walker & Associates in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he developed the expertise that would define his professional life. It was also in Kalamazoo that he met the love of his life, Virginia (“Ginny”), beginning a partnership that would span decades.
Don and Ginny moved to Downers Grove, where Don joined his older brother Charles at the engineering firm that would become Raths, Raths & Johnson. He served as a principal, dedicating the remainder of his career to the firm. Engineering was more than a profession to Don—it was a lifelong passion, and he took great pride in the work he did and the structures he helped bring to life.
While Don valued his career, nothing meant more to him than his family. Anyone who knew him quickly recognized that his wife, children, and grandchildren were the center of his world. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, especially sharing stories, offering thoughtful advice, and celebrating their accomplishments.
Don is survived by his beloved wife, Ginny; his brother Herbert Raths (Lisa), his son, John (Monica); his daughter, Sarah (Dave Diehl); and his cherished grandchildren, Tommy and Caroline Diehl, Carson Diehl, Katie Raths, Lauren Diehl, and Gabi Raths.
His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply, the career he built with integrity, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, wisdom, and friendship.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to The Morton Arboretum https://give.mortonarb.org/campaign/758958/donate or The Michigan State University College of Engineering.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Morton Arboretum, Thornhill Center on Sunday, August 9th from 11:00 AM to 2 :00 P.M.