Obituary of Howard John Raker
Howard John Raker Sr. was born in a barn (as he’d often say) in Carleton, Michigan on August 25, 1933 to Theodore Raker and the former Helen Blok. He was an alumnus of the graduating class from Airport High School in 1952 and attended Labor Studies classes at Wayne State University. Howard proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957. Upon his return home, he would wed the former Marilyn Roberts at St. Michael Catholic Church in Monroe on September 13, 1958.
Howard was a hard worker and always ensured his family was cared for. After spending thirty years as a painter at General Motors he continued to paint cars and farm equipment into his retirement.
An avid bowler, Howard could be found at Nortel Lanes in Monroe every Friday night and came very close to a perfect game with a 299 high score. He enjoyed spending time with his brother and friends in the Glennie and Curtisville areas of Northern Michigan, where just as much beer drinking happened as fishing and hunting did. A great dancer, Howard loved “oldie’s” music from the 1950’s and 60’s and could be seen doing the twist or the jitterbug on occasion. He had a quirky sense of humor and loved to make others laugh. Simply put, Howard was a practical man, who cared for his family deeply – more than anything else.
Howard John Raker Sr., age 87, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 6, 2021. His passing was preceded by his father: Theodore Raker; mother: Helen Liptow; step-father: Charles Liptow; four brothers: Pete, Francis, and Chuck Raker and Art Liptow; and a sister: Audrey Raker-Lashbrook.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of sixty-three years: Marilyn Raker; five children: Howard J. (Cindy) Raker Jr., Skeeter (Larry) LaBell, Kathleen Turner, Ted Raker, and Robert Raker; twelve grandchildren: Aaron, Angela, Tyler (Sabrina), Michael R. (Nicole), Michael G., Mallory (Joel), Audry, RaeAnn (Nic), Kevin (Tonya), Schon (Debbie), Maddie, and Sydney; fifteen great grandchildren: Emma, Ellison, Ava, Cole, Dorothy, Kurt, Eliana, Amelia, Mason, Nick, Katie, Travis, Shiana, Olivia and Marina; and canine companion: “Jak”, a Jack Russell Terrier who was always at his side.
A Celebration of Howard’s Life will be held on Friday, August 20 at 2:00 pm at Brest Bay Sportsman Club, 6665 Williams Rd, Newport, Mi 48166. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.
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