Cletus B. "Butch" Rakers

Cletus B. “Butch” Rakers, 87, of New Baden, died Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Clinton Manor in New Baden. He was born August 29, 1928 in Aviston, son of Gerhard and Frances (Hellmann) Rakers. He married Margie K. Schubert on June 27, 1950 in Mascoutah and she survives in New Baden.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Mark Rakers of Arnold, MO., Donald (Kathy) Rakers, David (Jackie) Rakers all of New Baden, Steven (Sandy) Rakers of Carlyle, Patty (Doug) Cowart of Huntsville, AL., Teresa (Mike) Haar, Keith (Ruth) Rakers all of New Baden, Tim Rakers of St. Louis, MO., Mike (Peg) Rakers of Aviston, Darrin (Gina) Rakers of Trenton, and Lisa (Mike) Middleton of New Baden; 32 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Francis “Bud” (Mary Jo) Rakers of New Baden; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry & Glenda Schubert of Linden, CA.; and also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Sue Rakers; five brothers, Richard H. “Rich” Rakers, Henry “Hank” Rakers, Oscar Rakers, Albin Rakers, and Gerald Rakers; four sisters, Eugenia Rensing, Gertrude “Goldie” Rakers, Flora Fiedler, and Henrietta Kalmer; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marcella M. Rakers, Hubert Kalmer, Sr., Ben Rensing, Anna Rakers, Henrietta Rakers, Leonard Fiedler, Don & Darlene Schubert, and Doris Joseph.

Mr. Rakers was a construction laborer. He was a member of St. George Parish in New Baden and the Laborer’s Local 742 in Mascoutah. Butch enjoyed bowling, playing in pool leagues, and watching his grandchildren’s activities.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Gene Neff officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2016 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the charity of the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home.