Leo Thomas Rake, 94, died peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2016. His nieces Susie, Nola and Deann were with him at the time of his death.
Leo was born February 5, 1922 in the Town of Calamus, Dodge Co, Wi to Joseph Raymond and Julia Cecelia (Neiman) Rake, the fifth of eight children. His boyhood adventures exploring the woods on the family farm gave rise to his love of the outdoors.
He graduated from Columbus High School in 1939. He served in the USNR from 1942 - 1946 as Pharmacist Mate 1st Class on the USS Rockingham, transporting troops from San Diego to Okinawa.
He attended Carroll College and UW Madison, graduating with a B.S. in Agronomy in 1951. Leo was a Research Assistant at the UW Madison Horticulture Department for 37 years, focusing on disease resistance, and herbicide and pesticide development. He worked primarily with Wisconsin's potato and cranberry growers until his retirement in 1987.
An avid sportsman, dropping a line was always on his mind. Leo enjoyed the outdoors, nature, wildlife and hunting. He pursued these adventures on the farm where he grew up and into the mountains and rivers of Idaho, with friends, family and co-workers. The Brewers, Packers and UW athletics were also a favored pastime and topic of discussion.
Those who knew Uncle Leo will cherish the music he played on his Martin guitar and his photo and home movie collection.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters and their spouses; Karl (Martha) of St Maries, Id, Oscar (Hazel) of Columbus, Ronald of Columbus, Erwin (Ruth) of Birmingham, Mi, Luella (Joe) Kraft of Columbus, Clarence (Janet) Rake of Lewiston, Id and Marie Rake of Evanston, Il/Rochester, Mn, and nieces Patricia (Dean) Bates and Karol (Larry) Rooks and great-nephew Ryan Lee.
Leo is survived by nieces and nephews; Lois (Steve) Mathews, Robert (LuAnn) Rake, Marilyn (Dennis) Arkowski, Susan Rake, Douglas (Jean) Rake, Nola Allen, Janice (Gary) Faigle, Joseph (Lisa) Rake, John (Sheila) Rake, Julie (Robert) Rhodes, Ann Kraft, Mary (Tom) Kraft-Lee, Ralph (Leslie) Rake, Charlie (Claudia) Rake, Jean (Bob) Auerbach, Joe Rake, Cindy Rake and Jackie Rake, and many, many great and great- grand nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at ST. JEROME CATHOLIC CHURCH, Columbus. Rev. Steve Kortendick officiated. Full military honors followed. Interment will be in St. Jerome Cemetery, Columbus. Visitation was from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday at Jensen Funeral & Cremation, Columbus, and from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service at the church on Saturday.
Gracious thanks to all of the friends, family, and care providers who helped Leo throughout his wonderful 94 years.
Memorials in Leo's memory may be directed to the charity of one's choice.