Raul Flores Tarango

ROCKFORD - Raul Flores Tarango, age 88, husband, father, grandfather, passed away suddenly Monday, March 25, 2019 at home. Raul was born December 24, 1930 in Miami, Arizona to Benigno and Ramona (Flores) Tarango. He married Marie Antoinette (Toni) Tarango on Dec. 20, 1975 in Mesa, Arizona. He proudly served and retired from the Air Force after 20 years of dedication to his country. His military record was exemplary, decorated with the Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, US Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Good Conduct Medal, and Outstanding Unit Award. He was a Golden Glove Boxer and softball champion while serving. Long after retirement, he continued to participate in softball competitions at Williams AFB, where he was well known for his fast pitching skills. Raul attended Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. After his military career, Raul went on to work for the Maricopa County Health Department, retiring after 21 years of service as a Health Inspector. After his final retirement, Raul spent as much time as possible on the golf course, he enjoyed bowling, and many outdoor sports as well. Raul was an avid Green Bay Packers, White Sox and Arizona Sun Devils fan.

Raul is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marie of Rockford; eight children, Toni Tarango of Oakland, California, Terri Tarango of Prescott, Arizona, Linda (Aaron) Tarango-Olivas of Mesa, Arizona, Patrick Tarango, of Phoenix, Arizona, Valentina Rawls of Atlanta, Georgia, Christy (Ed) Wilson of Livermore, California, Roxanne Tarango of Prescott, Arizona, and Nicole (Paul) Daves of Peoria, Arizona; stepson Erick Lambert of DeKalb, Illinois, and stepdaughter Karen Harmon of Ashton, Illinois; grandchildren, Kyle, Krista, Oliver, Hazel, Kylie, Luke, Stephen, Rachel, Alli, Adriane, Kienan, Emily, Eric, Marco, and Gina; nine great-grandchildren; siblings Josie, Rudy and Eddie; mother of his children, Sally Nave; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, Raul is preceded in death by his sisters Mary Ellen and Nancy; brother Robert.

Memorial Service held Saturday April 6, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Christenson Funeral Home, 925 3rd Ave. Rockford. with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of services. C losing with military honors ceremony. Internment will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on April 11, 2019 at 1:00 PM. Cremation rites accorded. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family.

www.rockfordfunerals.com