In loving memory of

Gerald Rakowski
January 11, 1931 - December 1, 2014

Mr. Jerry Rakowski, passed away December 1, 2014 at his home in Port Washington. He was 83 years old. Jerry was born January 11, 1931 in Chicago, IL, the son of Edward Rakowski and Genevieve Bishart. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Sgt. 1st Class from 1952-1954 in Korea. After college, he went on to work as a loan officer for over 40 years. On October 20, 1956 he was united in marriage with Patricia Batka in Chicago. The couple lived in Chicago before moving to Wisconsin where they lived in Delafield and Nekoosa before settling in Port Washington in 2009. Jerry and Pat enjoyed going to the family cottage in Chetek, WI for nearly 30 years. Jerry was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Saukville YMCA. He was a skilled artist who enjoyed painting and drawing, playing handball, downhill skiing, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and will be remembered for his generosity and sense of humor. His entire life, Jerry volunteered both locally and afar, taking a large trip to Nicaragua in the mid 1990's to bring a water system and medical supplies. Jerry is survived by his wife Pat, and their children: Jack (Beth Bretl) Rakowski of Fox Point, Cynthia (David) Overshiner of Jackson and Paul (Mary Jo) Rakowski of Denver, CO. He is further survived by 7 grandchildren: Matt, Elena, Claire, Grant, Alex, Aidan and Keelee, sister-in-law: Lorraine (Earle) Clemens of Waukesha, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Jerry is preceded in death by his father Edward, mother Genevieve, and step-father John Wiater. A Memorial Service will be held at 12PM noon on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 430 Johnson St. in Port Washington. He will be laid to rest at King Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the church on Saturday morning from 11AM-12PM noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Mary's Church.

Tributes

Bettye Mani wrote on Dec 9, 2014:

"You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He must have been a very special man to have had a daughter like you, Cynthia."

Jennifer & John Toepfer wrote on Dec 9, 2014:

"We're so sorry for the loss of a such a WONDERFUL man. His smile, like yours Cynthia, warms the heart. Loving prayers to family and friends. "

Dianne & Paul Bretl wrote on Dec 7, 2014:

"Our hearts are heavy knowing we have lost a special friend. Jerry was a wonderful man, with a delightful sense of humor. He & Pat raised a wonderful family.They showed much love to their extended family.They treasured their grandchildren & made them so aware of their love. We will miss that twinkly smile & those "exceptional emails". Know that our thoughts & prayers are with each of you, his family, along with our love. "

Cynthia Overshiner wrote on Dec 7, 2014:

"My dad was a wonderful father, husband, friend and mentor. His warm and loving presence will be very much missed. I know that he will be looking out for all those he loved from heaven. I imagine him skiing the "mogul" clouds of heaven; making drawings with his skis, or leaving loving & funny messages in the clouds."

11-west nurses wrote on Dec 6, 2014:

"We love you, Pat and Jerry and were so blessed to know you!"

Roberta Cacioppo wrote on Dec 5, 2014:

"Pat, we are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts, prayers and love go to you and your family. "

Mike Batka wrote on Dec 4, 2014:

"Pat I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved each other. My prayers are with you. I always like talking to Jerry. He was so funny and just loved life so much."

Peter Batka wrote on Dec 4, 2014:

"Our condolances from the Slovakian Batka families on the loss of your Husband and Father. Peter Batka and family. Central Europe - Slovakia."

Vicki Batka wrote on Dec 4, 2014:

"Sending condolences and prayers to your family. "

Alan Batka wrote on Dec 4, 2014:

"Our condolances from the Michigan Batka families on the loss of your Husband and Father. Alan Batka and family."

Babe Quintrall wrote on Dec 3, 2014:

"Dear Rakowski family, As you think about your dear Gerald and the imprint he left on your hearts, find comfort in knowing that your lives were enriched by having shared his love. I hope that the scriptures I am sharing with you below bring you a bit of comfort now and always when you think of Gerald. Acts24:15- "there is going to be a resurrection" Revelation 21:4-"And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away" Psalm 37:29-" The righteous will possess the earth and they will live forever on it" I am truly sorry for your loss. All the best wishes for your family at this time."