Caroline Rakers Obituary (1924 - 2008)

Caroline Rakers, 83, of Oconee died Saturday, April 12, 2008 in her residence, where she was born, raised and lived her entire life. She was born July 18, 1924 in Oconee, daughter of Bernard H. Martha Mary Peschke Rakers. Caroline's life was her grocery store and her church. In 1946 Caroline began working in the Holthaus Grocery in Oconee. In 1958 she, her brother Fritz and his wife Deloris purchased the store and started Rakers Grocery, which continued in business until March 29, 2008. On that day, the Oconee Lions Club held their community sale and many people paid one last visit to the store and recalled many memories. For most of those years, the store was open 6 days per week. Many customers sat on the steps of the store enjoying her sandwiches or eating ice cream. One of the times the store was robbed, Caroline's comment was that they must have needed it more than she did. Caroline was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic in Oconee where she sang in the choir, and was a member of the Ladies' Society. Every morning she unlocked the church and locked it back up each evening. Caroline is survived by her brother: Francis "Fritz" Rakers, Oconee, IL; nieces nephews: Linda Miller husband Jim, Decatur, Tom Rakers wife Paula, Pana; Angie Sarver husband Bob, Maroa; Dave Rakers wife Jackie, Ohlman; Mark Rakers wife Maribeth, Ohlman; great nieces and nephews; 1 great-great nephew; and cousin Antionette Seibert, Lemay, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister Mary Ann Rakers. Funeral Information Funeral mass will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2008 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oconee at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Don J. Roberts officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Oconee. Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home, Pana. Rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m.