John Lewis Rakow

John Rakow, 82, passed away peacefully at home on March 20, 2026.

Born on December 17, 1943, in Wausau, Wisconsin, John was the son of the late Lewis and Ella (Jansean) Rakow. He grew up in Wausau and attended Wausau High School. On September 5, 1969, he married the love of his life, Susan Mildbrandt of Sturgeon Bay, in Madison. They shared 56 years of devoted marriage.

In 1969, following the passing of his father, John took over the family farm-a role that became one of his greatest lifelong passions. After selling his cows in 1993, he spent 14 years driving milk truck for Mullins Cheese until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. True to his resilient spirit, John fought his illness with determination. Never one to sit still, he later worked for the Village of Maine, handling road maintenance and snow removal. When he wasn't needed by the Village, he could often be found helping neighboring farmers with fieldwork, driving tractor, or mowing yards around the community. Generosity came naturally to John; he was always ready to lend a hand without hesitation or complaint.

John proudly served the Town of Maine Fire Department for more than 40 years. He also groomed trails for the Trailmates Snowmobile Club, where he was a longtime member.

In his free time, John enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, hunting, traveling, restoring model trains, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose happiest moments were spent gathering loved ones for holidays, birthdays, or any reason he could find to celebrate. Known for his warm laugh, easy conversation, and unmatched old fashioneds, John made everyone feel welcome. After retiring, he especially cherished day trips with friends to fish, snowmobile, or discover new restaurants.

John is survived by his wife, Susan (Mildbrandt) Rakow; his four children, Mike (Shelley) Rakow, Lori Rakow, Debbie (Jamie) Loiz, and Amy Rakow; and his three grandchildren, Alex Rakow, Adysen Loiz, and Skyler Loiz, all of Wausau. He is also survived by a large and loving extended family, including sisters and brothers in law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Thomas; his sister, Ruth; his niece, Kristin; his brother in law, Jerry; and his sister in law, Sherry.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church (5304 44th Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401). Pastor Maggie Westaby will officiate. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of service, with lunch to follow. Burial will be held at a later date at Berlin Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate staff at Aspirus, and a special thank you to the team at Aspirus At Home - Hospice for their exceptional care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wausau, a charity of your choice, or you may plant a tree in John's memory.