James "Jim" Rakers

James H. "Jim" Rakers, age 89, of Aviston, passed away on December 5, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his devoted family. Born on January 12, 1935, in Aviston, Illinois, Jim was the son of Bernard and Gertrude (Hellmann) Rakers. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Richter, on October 14, 1958, who survives in Aviston.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his children: Matt (Mary), Cindy (Gerry) Zurliene, Dennis (Joanna), Connie (Tom) Robben, Pat (Carolyn), Karen (Art) Braundmeier, and Jason (Colette) Rakers. He is also survived by his sister, Johanna Heimann, and his brothers and sisters-in-law: Paul (Carol) Richter, Kathy (Glenn) Loyet, Frank Richter, Mark (Judy) Richter, Barb (John) Barr, and Theresa Richter.

A proud grandpa, Jim cherished his nineteen grandchildren: Brady and Wil Rakers, Sadie (Adam) Buehne, Brett (Tiffany) Zurliene, Taylor (Cole) Schomaker, Austin and Calvin Rakers, Alex (Justin) Venhaus, Melanie (Zac) Cressman, Rachel (Clayton) Rehkemper, Nolan Robben, Luke, Zach, and Grant Rakers, Logan (Nic) Perkins, Abby and Reed Braundmeier, and Easton and Aubrey Rakers. He was also a great-grandfather to eight: Waylan and Hadley Buehne, Reese and Bennett Zurliene, Nora and Lincoln Venhaus, Jett Schomaker, and a baby boy Cressman, due in March.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Leona and George Richter (his in-laws), and siblings: brothers Ben, Tony, Al, and Charlie Rakers, and sisters Annie Kalmer, Sally Haselhorst, Delores Langenhorst, Evelyn Rakers, Rita Kalmer, and Julie Toennies. He was also preceded by brothers and sisters-in-law: Vince Kalmer, Bob Haselhorst, Vince Langenhorst, Vic Kalmer, Walter Toennies, Mike Richter, as well as Clara, Leona, Rita, and Dolores Rakers.

 Jim, and his wife, Marilyn, of 66 years, were dedicated farmers for most of their married lives. Jim also served on the Aviston school board for over 10 years and the St. Francis Choir for over 30 years. Jim loved his family with all his heart and dedicated his life to faith, family, and community as a cornerstone to raising their seven children. He was often seen attending his children's and grandchildren’s events. They were his pride and joy. Jim also enjoyed serving as Sugar Creek Township’s Road Commissioner for 9 years. Jim was a charter member inducted into the Clinton County Baseball Hall of Fame. He loved sports, in particular, the Aviston Aces, KC Chiefs, and the Cardinals were his favorites. When he wasn’t attending or watching a sporting event, he could be seen driving his blue tractor to help neighbors plant gardens or helping at the park. Jim lived life to the fullest and could light up a room with his smile, stories, and one-liners. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him! One of his famous one-liners was, “Keep the ball a rolling!”

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 9, 2024, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston, with Fr. Von Deek officiating. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Aviston.

Visitation will take place at Nordike Funeral Home in Aviston from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 8, 2024, and again on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 8:00 to 9:30 AM.

Memorials made in Jim's memory are suggested to Aviston Park or St. Francis Parish and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home.