Edgar W. Rakow

Edgar Walter Rakow, 86, of Suring, passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. 

Born Dec. 29, 1934 on the family farm, to the late Albert and Lillie (Pahlow) Rakow, he married  Mary Colson at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes on July 14, 1956. 

In 1955, he bought the family farm, becoming the third generation owner of the Rakow Farm. He loved farming and was proud to pass the farm on to the fourth generation. A loving and devoted person and family man, his Faith and family were important to him. 

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and was also active in dartball and the Lutheran Laymen’s League. An involved member of St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes, he held various offices, including as Elder and President. 

Survivors include his wife, Mary; seven children, Walter (Laura) Rakow, Steve (Donna) Rakow, Linda Rakow-Schenkoske, Beth (Ghyass) Rizk, Naomi (Jeff) Bergner, Douglas (Elizabeth) Rakow and Susan (Craig) Strehlow; a daughter-in-law, Danielle Rakow; 22 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; eight siblings, Margaret Elfe, Irene Cudworth, Ruby (Rev. Paul) Bruns, Althea (Alger) Scheuttpelz, Alice (Rev. Stan) Bahn, Ruben (Cathy) Rakow, Helen (Ray) Heimerl and Hilbert (Delores) Rakow; a brother-in-law, Daniel Carow and many nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. 

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Vernon and Cleo Colson; a son, Edward Rakow; a great-grandson, Eliot Rakow; two brothers, Roland (Betty) Rakow and Arnold (Norma) Rakow; a sister, Frieda Carow and two brothers-in-law, Eliot “Fritz” Elfe and Jerry Cudworth. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec, 4 at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes from 9 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Nick Buchholz officiating. Interment will be in St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home of Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, donations to St. John Lutheran Church and School are appreciated.