Charles Melvin Rakers, 88, of Galesburg, died at 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at home.
Charlie was born November 6, 1931, in Quincy, the son of Herbert George and Norma Ann (Heitkamp) Rakers. Charlie married Helen Doran on January 28, 1950. She preceded him in death on July 6, 1987. He later married Dorothy Ann Gladfelter on September 16, 1989. Dorothy preceded him in death on April 8, 2014. Charlie is survived by two sons, Charles (Debra) Rakers of Burns Harbor, IN and Wayne (Bette) Rakers of Galesburg; one daughter, Debra Rakers of Eugene, OR; six grandchildren, Kelsey (Jeff Wenzel) Rakers, Casey Rakers, Christina (Frank) Holloway, Theresa (William) Delashmutt-May, Susanne and Valerie Rakers; two step-grandchildren, Angela (Brian) Haneghan and Daniel (Jessica) Story; and six great-grandchildren, Rupert and Harrison Wenzel, Rachel Delashmutt, Elizabeth Holloway, and Jade and Jovie Story. He is also survived by three brothers, George (Gina) Rakers of Springfield, Thomas (Mary Lou) Rakers of Quincy, and Michael (Kathy) Rakers of Clinton; one sister, Kathy (Jim) Laird of Quincy; one stepson, William (Sharon) Gladfelter of Franklin Park; one stepdaughter, Pam (Dan) Story or Hudson; and a special friend, Frances Carmen of Galesburg. Along with his parents and wives, Charlie was preceded in death by one son, Tim; one sister, Rosemary Pillars.
After graduating from Quincy High School, Charlie went to work for Peoria Paper Company. He worked his way up to a salesman position and stayed with the company for 42 years, retiring in 1991. Charlie was a faithful catholic and charter member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church as well as a eucharistic minister. He volunteered many hours at the church and for the catholic school. Charlie was a 4th Degree member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and longtime member and president of the Columbian Homes. Charlie was a Boy Scout growing up, he instilled those traits to his sons and served as assistant scoutmaster for them. He loved to watch westerns as well as tending to his yard and gardening.
Due to social distancing recommendations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic no visitation will be held. A memorial mass for Charlie may be viewed at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2020, via the Galesburg Catholic Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GBBCatholic/. A private family burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church or to the Knights of Columbus. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
