RABE, Shirley J. (1931-2013)

RABE

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/8/2024 at 10:25:44

Shirley Jean Rabe
(July 6, 1931 - April 18, 2013)

Shirley J. Rabe, age 81, of Ida Grove, Iowa, died Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The Reverends Richard Salcido and Adam Peck will officiate, with burial to follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery. Born July 6, 1931, in Holstein, Iowa, Shirley Jean (Wood) Rabe was the daughter of Kenneth and Ella (Hanson) Wood. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed her faith on December 8, 1954, at Trinity Grant Township Lutheran Church. Shirley grew up and attended school in Ida Grove, graduating from Ida Grove High School in 1949. On August 4, 1952, she was united in marriage to Merlin R. Rabe in Bovingdon, England, while Merlin was serving in the United States Air Force. Shirley and Merlin lived in England until Merlin’s honorable discharge from the military, then returned to Ida Grove and settled on the family farm south of Ida Grove. They were blessed with two children, Debra and Corey. Shirley was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove where she taught Sunday school for many years. She enjoyed membership in ODO (Our Day Off) Club as well as camping, crafts, gardening and canning. She and Merlin made many happy memories wintering in south Texas. Survivors include her husband of over sixty years, Merlin; two children, Debra (Ron) Parker of Holstein, and Corey (Emma Sue) Rabe of Vandalia, IL; five grandchildren, Bryce Parker, currently serving in Kuwait, Aaron Parker and Adam Parker, both of Iowa City, Mitchell Rabe of Loogootee, IN, and Blake Rabe of Kailua, HI; a brother, Frances Wood of Kuna, ID; two sisters, Delores Vickery of Holstein, and Donna Schmidt of Battle Creek; a sister-in-law, Lois (Rabe) Gilchrist of Waukee; a brother-in-law, Richard Rabe of North Fork, ID; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Charlotte Putensen; and two brothers, Eugene Wood and Everett Wood. Source - Christenson-Van Houten Funeral Services, 321 2nd St., Ida Grove, IA. 51445