Wayne A. Rabe

ENDEAVOR  /  PORTAGE   –  Wayne A. Rabe, age 82, of Endeavor, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at University Hospital in Madison.

Wayne was born on August 19, 1928 in Clarno Township, Green County, Wisconsin, the fifth child of Albert Milton and Beulah M. (Davidson) Rabe, who eventually had ten children.  Wayne was always active and a hard worker in childhood and throughout all his life.  After his older brothers went to the service, he was the one at home, and helped his mother.  Wayne went to Monroe High School and graduated in 1946.  He volunteered for military service and entered the service in October of 1946.  He went to the Army of Occupation in Japan;  and served under Gen. MacArthur.  In 1948, he entered the University of Wisconsin in Madison, graduating in January of 1953, majoring in education.  He married Dolores Klemm on August 26, 1950.  They loved the same things even if they were from different backgrounds, and they always enjoyed summer vacations “up north” each year with their children.  They raised five wonderful children.  Wayne taught school for 35 years in three different Wisconsin communities:  Shullsburg, Watertown and Greenfield, teaching science and math.  He could fix anything and was glad to help others.  He will be very much missed by his wife, five children and their families and others.  Wayne was a member of the American Legion Post #0056, and served as the sexton of Endeavor Hillcrest Cemetery for several years. 

He is survived by his wife, Dolores;  his children, Virginia (Paul) Lyman, Wales, Joe (Kim) Rabe, South Milwaukee, Daniel Rabe, Crofton, MD, Jerry (Sharon) Rabe, Hales Corners, and John (Gina DeLuca) Raven, Napa , CA;  eleven grandchildren, Elisabeth, Eric, Wendy, Andy, Nathan, Ari, Sarah, David, Michael, Jeremy, and Julia;  five great-grandchildren;  one brother;  three sisters;  nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Beulah Rabe (Eaton), both in 1978, two brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 24, 2010 at Trinity United Church of Christ, 234 N. Church, Endeavor, Wisconsin, with the Rev. Barbara Bolz officiating.  Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.