Jason W. Rago

Jason W. Rago (Metz), 51, beloved husband, father and son passed away on May 31, 2024 in Arlington Heights, Illinois, surrounded by the people that loved him the most.

Jason was born on November 9, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. Jason's childhood was spent growing up between Hurley, WI, Chicago, IL and finally in Park Ridge, IL. He was a graduate of Maine South High School and also Western Illinois University; where he majored in Law Enforcement. After college, Jason held many positions between the Village of Wilmette, City of Park Ridge, and the City of Naperville before accepting a position of Police Officer with the Morton Grove Police Department.

Over the last 24 years, Jason has served with the Morton Grove Police Department; he held many positions including Police Officer, Detective and Sergeant. During his tenure he touched many lives within the community he served and protected. He spent countless hours working through calls for service, solving cases, serving on the Honor Guard, the Peer Support Team and supporting community members in need, often through the hardest moments of their lives.

Jason was a very talented, smart, selfless, and caring man. He loved tinkering with cars, both old and new; a passion for music, photography and cooking; had a vast knowledge of many subjects and trivia which would leave people astounded.

Jason was a devoted father to his three precious children, Luke, Emily and Noah. He made every day special, making them laugh at his silly Dad jokes, spoiling them with his cooking skills, sharing each other's hobbies and spending his free time discovering new things together. Luke, Emily and Noah love visiting with extended family up in Wisconsin and going on hikes through the woods, by the river that Jason found so peaceful.

After almost 4 years together, Jason wed the love of his life, Monica, on June 9th, 2023. They were excited to start their new life together; they created many cherished memories during their too short, but sweet and loving marriage that will live on for a lifetime.

He is survived by his loving wife, best friend and soulmate Monica (Owca) Rago, his three beautiful children whom he absolutely loved and adored Luke, Emily and Noah, their mother Ann Gavin, his devoted and loving parents Georgene and Richard Metz, his supportive brothers Anthony Metz and James (Christine) Metz, his funny and crazy aunts Roberta (Richard) Gheller, Carleen (Thomas) Jurkowski, Susan (Rick) Tippett; his uncle Frank (Sandra) Romanowski, his step-mother Shirley Rago; his mother-in-law and father-in-law Marta and Jerzy Owca; his grandmother-in-law Franciszka Walaszek; many cousins, friends and fellow brothers and sisters in blue.

Jason is preceded in death by his biological father Peter Rago, his great-aunt Mary Winge, grandmother and grandfather George and Carole Romanowski; his uncle William Romanowski and his grandfather-in-law Stanislaw Walaszek.

In May of 2023, Jason was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. He fought with great courage, fearlessness, fortitude and always had a positive outlook. Jason confronted this with the same incredible resolve and good spirits that were his trademark. Jason often made jokes at his own expense to make everyone around him laugh and never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him about his diagnosis.

While we can try, no amount of words can truly express Jason. He was a feeling, a presence, and an experience. We are all better for knowing him. Jason will forever be in our hearts and always in our lives.

A celebration of life for Jason will take place on June 29, 2024 from 1 pm to 5 pm at Glueckert Funeral Home 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL . We ask that if anyone would like to share stories and memories of Jason should be there by 3 pm. Until that time, we will celebrate Jason's life everyday by living up to his favorite quote:

"Keep fighting the good fight. Never give up and remember to smile every day."

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Jason's GoFundMe, to help with continued support for his children. Please see the donation link below.

Condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.

https://gofund.me/87d36f1f