Helen Racan

She was the daughter of Hermann and Gertrude Braun, who migrated from Stuttgart, Germany. Helen grew up in Chicago, Illinois with her older sister, Dorothy Stepan (Braun), whom she adored throughout her life. She married Phillip Kitzer, with whom she had four children. In 1969, she remarried Edward Racan, who also had four children. The blended family was raised in a lively household in Brookfield, Illinois— characterized by warmth, laughter, and togetherness.

Helen’s life was defined by faith, family, and service. She was a devout Lutheran and attended St. Paul Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Illinois, with her husband since the 1960s. Her career encompassed various roles in the banking industry, where she brought warmth, reliability, and a thoughtful approach to every task. She loved her pets, cooking, and spending time with family and lifelong friends Sara and George, and Carol and Bob, who were dearly important to her.

Her family includes:

· Edward Racan, husband (deceased)

· Her surviving children include Cynthia Webb (James), Bradley Racan, Beth Wagner (Randall), Diane Gross, and Richard Kitzer (Roselle).

· Her children preceding her in death include, Edward Racan Jr. (Karen), Phillip Kitzer (Gayla), and Alan Kitzer (Maureen).

· She was blessed with a large extended family, spanning three generations of grandchildren—35 in total—each one bringing joy to her life.

· She is survived by many nieces and nephews from the Braun and Kitzer/Racan families, who were a source of great joy and warmth in her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Brookfield, Illinois, in keeping with her faith and values.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and stories as we celebrate Helen’s life, a life filled with love, resilience, and fidelity to family and faith.

A visitation for Helen will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 West Cermak Road, Forest Park, IL 60130. Funeral service will start at 12 noon with a graveside service to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Forest Park.

For more information please call (708) 442-8500.