NEW ULM–A funeral Mass for Robert F. “Bob” Rahe, 89, of New Ulm, MN, formerly of Bancroft, IA, will be held Friday, February 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Divine Mercy Parish – St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft. The funeral will be live streamed on the Divine Mercy YouTube page. Military honors will be conducted following the Mass at the church by members of the Bancroft American Legion. Bob’s family will greet friends on Thursday, February 1st, from 5 to 7 PM at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft.

Robert Francis Rahe was born October 31, 1934, on the family farm east of Bancroft, the oldest son of Rudy and Viola (Deitering) Rahe. Bob graduated from St. John’s Catholic School in 1952 and for a short time played baseball with the St. Louis Browns farm team. He then joined the United States Navy, serving as a radio operator stationed in San Diego, California. He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Scholtes on December 28, 1954, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bancroft.

After serving 5 years in the Navy, Bob and Marilyn and family returned to Iowa where Bob worked at several jobs, including Standard Gas, manager of Purina Feeds, and eventually farming fulltime. In 1975 the family moved to the farm south of Bancroft where they lived until retirement. Around that time he and Marilyn began traveling in their motorhome and wintering in Arizona. In 2015, they made their year around home in New Ulm, MN to be near family. Bob was an avid reader of current news, history and archeology. Using the skills learned in the Navy, he operated his own ham radio for many years, enjoying conversations with people near and far. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially caring for his yard. Bob and Marilyn began dancing together in high school and found happiness together while going to dances and meeting new friends. He loved being with his family especially attending his grandchildren’s events.

On Thursday, January 25, 2024, Bob died peacefully in his sleep at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm, MN.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marilyn of New Ulm, MN; six children, Steve (Barb Schroeder) Rahe of Lone Rock, Tim (Lora) Rahe of New Ulm, MN, Brian (Judy) Rahe of New Ulm, MN, Randy (Laura) Rahe of Bluffton, SC, Jeff (Donna) Rahe of Bancroft, and Michelle (Randy) Wood of Burt; 19 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Larry (Darlene) Rahe of Bancroft; sisters-in-law, Barb Rahe of Bancroft, and Lynn Scholtes of Rockford, MN; brothers-in- law, Dennis Popp of Montgomery, MN and Duane Weydert of Bode; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Charles and Alvida Scholtes; a daughter-in law, Betsy (Bernhard) Rahe; two sisters, Carol Popp and Patty Weydert; a brother, Gerald “Jiggs” Rahe; and a brother-in-law, Dennis Scholtes.

Online condolences may be sent to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.

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