William "Bill" E. Rabe

WILLIAM E. “BILL” RABE, 89, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 2:33 am, Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Three Springs Lodge Nursing Home, Chester, Illinois.

He was born to the late William Henry and Edna (nee Meyerhoff) Rabe on June 29, 1931 in Percy, Illinois.

Bill married Yvonne Mueller on July 26, 1952 in Steeleville, Illinois; she survives.

He had worked as an Engineering Clerk and District Manager for Illinois Power and also had served as Randolph County Clerk and Recorder for 13 years.

Bill was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Steeleville, Illinois. He is in Trico’s Hall of Fame. Bill served on the Randolph/Monroe County Board of School Trustees, the Chester Hospital Board, Western Egyptian Board, Steeleville School Board and the Peace Lutheran Church Council. He was also a member of Chester Chamber of Commerce, Chester Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow and ELCA Synod Council. Bill coached Khoury League Baseball for many years and was an avid card player and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Bill never knew a stranger and was a friend to all.

Survivors:

Wife:

Yvonne Rabe Chester, IL

4 Children:

Denise (Gary) Ebers Walsh, IL

Curt (Mary) Rabe Sparta, IL

Mark (Cindy) Rabe Bothell, WA

Dr. Sharon (Robert) Dees Perryville, MO

1 Sister:

Catherine (Ardell) Rieckenberg Sparta, IL

1 Brother-in-law:

Dr. Jerome (Carlota) Mueller Hemet, CA

13 Grandchildren:

Kristin (Glenn) Wolter, Michael (Brandy) Ebers, Jennifer (Clayton) Mallette, Kathryn (Donald) Rednour, David (Rachael) Rabe, Matthew (Sarah) Rabe, Aaron (Cubbi) Rabe, Rachel Rabe, Ruth Rabe, Diane (Jon) Gannon, Janice Rabe, John (Sarah) Amschler, Dr. Jodie (John) Meara

2 Step Grandchildren:

Robert (Tina) Dees and Michelle (Jonny) Merrithew

25 Great Granchildren:

Anna, Alan, Landon, Preston, Addison, Carter, Mackenzie, Ella, Jack, Grace, Luc, Branwen, Elizabeth, Hannah, Kenadi, Dominic, Camden, Sunny, Clara, Heidi, John Barrett, Theodore, Robin, Sam and Josie

1 Great-Great Granchild:

Lakyn

Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends

Preceded in Death by : Parents, 1 Brother – Wilbert Rabe, 4 Sisters – Edna Hollmann Mueller, Mildred Luehr, Lucille Beck and Margaret Schaber, 1 Grandchild – Robin Amschler Carroll, 6 Brothers-in-law, 1 Sister-in-law and 1 Nephew – Michael Beck

A Private Funeral Service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church with Minister Debra Rathert and Rev. Matthew Rabe officiating.

Public Visitation:

Thursday – 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, Illinois

Public Interment

Following Service:

Peace Lutheran Cemetery

Steeleville, Illinois

We are limited to 65 people in the church at a time. We ask that everyone wears a mask and please use social distancing guidelines.

Memorials :

Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, Illinois