Richard T. Rakovic, 97, left this earthly life on Sunday, November 8, 2020. He was born on October 29, 1923 in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
Richard enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, serving as Seaman 1st Class in the South Pacific during WWII. While he kept his military activity and experiences private, he was proud of his service. In recent years, he participated in the WWII Veteran Honor Flight program and was impressed and most appreciative of the efforts of everyone that made that trip possible. He was a dedicated worker, having first establishing a logging operation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and later as a machinist at a specialized foundry in Milwaukee, from which he eventually retired years later. He was accomplished in carpentry, woodworking and completing special projects. He was an avid hunter and freshwater fisherman who was always willing to patiently offer his time and experience helping one learn the ins and outs of those sports. He enjoyed mentoring those with the desire to learn and he celebrated their successes. He will always be remembered as a kind-hearted gentleman and a person that was always there to generously assist those in need. He especially took noteworthy joy in feeding treats to the neighbor’s free-range domestic rabbits which visited him regularly. While he never married, he always welcomed vacation time with his nephew and great-nephew. He enjoyed his last years living at the Wisconsin State Veterans Home in King. He appreciated the many kind friends he made there and he fondly held his caregivers in high esteem and appreciated their kindness and compassion.
He is survived by his great-nephew Gerald (Polly) Zeibert of Byron, IL; great-great-nieces, Paige (Joel) Miller and Eden Keefe and his great-great-great-nephew Kamden Keefe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Rose, his brothers, Frank and Edward and his sisters, Marie, Vera and Julia.
There will be a graveside service with military honors to celebrate Richard’s life on Thursday, November 19th at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI. Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca assisted the family with arrangements.
Richard will be deeply missed and he will live on in the memories of his remaining family members and with those who knew and loved him while he was with us.