Edward Rakow

Edward Rakow, 58, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away at his residence on Sunday, February 16, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 21, 1961, in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, a son of Edgar W. and Mary B. (Colson) Rakow. He was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Suring, Wisconsin, on March 19, 1961, and confirmed at St. John on May 25, 1975. Ed was a 1979 graduate of Suring High School in Suring, Wisconsin. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and during his second enlistment served in Desert Storm. Ed met the love of his life, Danielle Ehrhardt, in 29 Palms, California. They were united in marriage on March 25, 1995. Following service obligations, the family moved to Lohman, Missouri, to be near Danielle's family. Ed worked for Capital Region Medical Center as a HVAC technician. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder and enjoyed singing with the choir. Ed had a passion for growing fruits and vegetables and had been working on a U Pick It Blueberry Patch in Lohman. His positive attitude and dedication to God and his love for his family were his strongest attributes. Ed showed strength, courage, and hope in the Lord as he battled cancer in the last three years of his life. Many people will remember Ed by his joyous smile and infectious laugh. Ed is survived by his wife of 24 years, Danielle Rakow of Lohman; parents: Edgar and Mary Rakow of Suring, Wisconsin; children: Todd Rakow (Erin) and Kelly Rakow; brothers: Walter Ralow (Laura), Steve Rakow (Donna), and Doug Rakow (Liz); sisters: Linda Rakow-Schenkoske, Beth Rizk (Ghyass), Naomi Bergner (Jeff), and Sue Strehlow (Craig); and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday February 21, 2020, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. Additional visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Funeral Services at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Sam Powell Officiating. Internment with full military honors will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Stringtown. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Calvary Lutheran High School, and St. John's Lutheran Church in Suring, WIS. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.