Edgar W. Rakow

Edgar Walter Rakow, 86, of Suring, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Edgar was born Dec. 29, 1934, to the late Albert and Lillie (Pahlow) Rakow on the family farm. In 1955, Edgar 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. On July 14, 1956, Edgar married Mary Colson at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes. Faith and family were very important to Edgar. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother and friend. Edgar also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. He was a very involved member of St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes. Throughout the years, Edgar held various offices, including elder and president. He was also very active in dartball and the Lutheran Laymen’s League.

Edgar is survived by 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; daughter-in-law, Danielle Rakow; 22 grandchildren, Aaron (Nicole), Katie (Bryan), Nathan (Katie), Jacob (Katie), Daniel (Misty), Justin, Ashley (Carl), Todd (Erin), Kelly, Jesse (Dani), Josey (Kelly), Andrea (Danny), Brian (Amanda), Jennifer, Brittany, Tiffany, William, Jacob, Douglas Jr., Joseph, Max and Mikayla; 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; brother-in-law, Daniel Carow. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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

Visitation will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Nick Buchholz officiating. Edgar will be interred at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the staff of Unity Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion offered to Edgar and his family during their time of need.

In lieu of flowers, Edgar and his family would appreciate donations to St. John Lutheran Church and School.