Bernard W Rakes age 92, passed away on Monday December 29, 2014 at Holy Rosary Hospital Miles City Montana.
Bernard was born Oct 9, 1922 in Baker Mt the son of Stanton and Anna (Tetrault) Rakes. He grew up on his father’s homestead in the Big Hill Community north of Baker. He attended high school in Rosebud, Mt, graduating in 1941.He enlisted in the US Navy in 1945, stationed in Hawaii and discharged in July 1946.
He met his sweetheart Jackie (Ashley) at a hometown dance and so began his courtship, often flying a plane to Mildred and other destinations where she would be working as telegrapher for the Milwaukee RR. They were married on January 11, 1947. They made their home on his father’s farm until 1953 when they moved into Baker and he worked for the Ford garage. In 1955, he went to work for Ross Powers as maintenance mechanic in the oil fields. In 1961 they bought an irrigation unit along the Yellowstone River at Fallon, Mt and moved the family which now included 6 children to pursue his love of farming. He raised sugar beets, and other crops, had milk cows, hogs, chickens, bum lambs and during this time added the 7th child to the family. In 1982 they started spending their winters in Apache Junction AZ until 2000. In 2002 they retired from the farm and bought a home in Miles City, MT. There they enjoyed volunteer work at Holy Rosary, C.O.P., and Sacred Heart Church. In 2009 they moved to Cottonwood Care Home, and enjoyed 5 good years with the staff there. After he lost his beloved Jackie, his caretaker Chris Kukowski found an abandoned little dog and brought her to him. PICO brought him many hours of enjoyment until his death.
Bernie and Jackie loved dancing, playing cards, visiting with friends and neighbors. They attended and hosted many family get- togethers with the Rakes and Ashley families. He was involved with the Sacred Heart Church, Fallon Harvest Festival and other community activities. Bernie had a quick wit and great sense of humor. He could get his family laughing right up until the end.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Roy and George Rakes, sister Reva Eggen, and daughter-in-law Sheila Rakes. He is survived by his children: Rene (Newell) Clarke, Jan Taylor, Clint Rakes, Bernie (Kim) Rakes Jr., Tom (Ruth) Rakes, Barry (Del Linda) Rakes, Brian (Yvonne) Rakes; grandchildren: LaNee (John) Sokoloski, Lana (Mark) Sokoloski, Mitch (Susan) Gallo, Tracy (Jim) Cornelia, Jenna Rakes, Greg (Julia) Rakes, Joshua Prater and Jenessa (Cody) Clark. He is also survived by eleven beloved great grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
A vigil service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Terry. Rite of Committal will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery with full military honors. A luncheon will follow at the church. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice, Sacred Heart church, Prairie Community Hospital, or ones favorite charity.
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Friday January 2, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 3, 2015
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Friday January 2, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 3, 2015
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Terry, Montana 59349
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Jamie & Trent Hess says
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Bob Lindvig says
To the family. We are so sorry for your loss. I actually heard of Bernies loss this morning after quoting something he said to my dad. I find myself quoting him alot. What a special guy!! He’s probably telling stories in Heaven right now. What great memories.
Rance and Pam Jonas says
So sorry about your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Ken and Vicki Hess says
Sorry for your loss. What a great neighbor and friend. Remember him chewing on some boys more than once. But it was always Bernie Jr. and Clints fault, I never did it.
Greg and Cindy Ban says
We are so sorry to hear about Bernie’s passing. As kids growing up, we spent a lot of time with the Rake’s. I remember a trip to Yellowstone Park with them. What great memories!! Jackie and Bernie were great friends of my parents. Our prayers and sympathy are with you all.
Norman & Vonnie Shannon says
To the Rakes Family, our thoughts & prayers are with you.
S Ford says
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I recently lost my mother and know the pain of a broken heart. Our Heavenly Father feels our pain. Psalms 34:18 assures us that He is near to those broken at heart. He does, however, hold out a promise that in the very near future He will wipe out all tears of sorrow and pain from our eyes and death will be no more. (Revelation 21:3-5) He also promises to remember all those in the memorial tombs (graves) and restore them to life. (John 5:28,29) Until those words are fulfilled, may you find much peace and comfort in God and in His promises found in the Holy Scriptures.
Christine Keltner says
Prayers to you all——-
Connie (Galland) Young says
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I know how hard it is to say goodbye. I have so many great memories of Bernie and your family. I wouldn’t trade my childhood in Fallon for anything. What great neighbors and friends. Bernie will be greatly missed and never forgotten. ( I never eat horseradish without thinking of Bernie)
Cindy Lund says
Thinking of the Rakes family. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Trubi Hess Woods says
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this difficult time. I have many fond memories of the Rakes’ family – great friends all. Rest in peace Bernie and enjoy being reunited with Jackie and all of your Fallon friends who have gone before you.
Troy and JoDee Hess says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lorrie Pearce says
What a guy. He was alway full of energy and full of bs. He raised a wonderful family, and they should be very proud of their dad. i know he was proud of you. Be happy for having a loving family, and always play it forward. He’s now with the love of his life-Jackie! God bless them both!
cliff and lila glade says
So sorry to hear about Bernie, he was always a bright part of our visits to see Mom–so glad they had such a great place to spend their final time here.
Cathy Finneman Redland says
You have to look long and hard to find a better guy than Bernie.. Always laughing or telling a joke or story. Both Bernie and Jackie have had my respect for many, many years, a true family friend. It is comforting knowing they are together again. To the Rakes family~ our thoughts are with you, there’s no doubt in my mind that Bernie left behind a ton of great memories to get you through those tough times. Please take care and know I am thinking of you.
Tom Hess says
Sorry for your loss, Bernie always had that smile and I will remember his wonderful laugh and the card parties that our parents had.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family
Scott Waldo says
Bernie had the best wit. I never knew exactly which clever expression he would come up with but when he did it was always great. He and my Dad shared many a laugh, and I think a drop or two of spirits at Cottonwood Care. Watching Bernie tease my Mom was a treat. His devotion to Jackie was very touching. Thoughts and prayers for Bernie though I am sure he is saying something that would make St. Peter crack a smile.
Mike and Linda Wyse says
Bernie was a one of a kind, always smiling, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
Sandie (Waldo) Viall says
I was saddened to hear of Bernie’s passing but happy to know that once again he would be with his beloved Jackie. I so enjoyed spending time with him at Cottonwood Care Center and loved watching him care for Jackie with love, devotion and tenderness. Not only could he make me laugh, he could also make me think. Bernie had great insight. He could also be persuasive. I think he almost had my Dad converted to becoming a Democrat! Please know that I am thinking of all of you during this time of loss.
Tom & Marion Inward says
We were privileged to meet Bernie and Jackie when our families were joined through the marriage of their son, Bernie to our daughter Kim. We always enjoyed their company and extend our love and prayers to the wonderful family they raised. Bernie will be sadly missed but his great sense of humor will live on and we hope the happy times your family shared will help to ease your loss.
Alroy and Tasha Solle says
We are sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. I loved taking care of him. I loved to go in do his room so we could laugh together. I will miss him, he was one of my all time favorites. Miss you Bernie. Tasha
Delphine Coon says
So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lynette Tague says
Our sympathies to all of Bernie’s family. He will be missed but will be fondly remembered.
Mike Strasheim says
It was sad to hear about Bernie’s passing.He was a great farmer and leaves a lot memories.Rest In Peace.
Bruce and P am Finneman says
Bernie was a good man, a good father, a good husband, and a he and Jackie were great friends to Mom and Dad. May they rest in peace. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Rene, Newell and all the Rakes family, We are sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a great guy and achieved so much in his life. You are in our prayers.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles