Rodney A. Rabe, age, 73 of rural Kiel, died after a courageous battle with cancer Sunday, February 5, 2017 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 3, 1943 in Sheboygan, son of the late Truman H. & Luella H. (Maurer) Rabe. He attended Woodland Park School and Kiel High School. On December 8, 1961 he married his high school sweetheart, Lillie Ann Meyer in Waukon, Iowa. Rodney was a lifetime member of St. Peters UCC, Kiel, and a charter member of the Kiel Snowmobile Club. He worked at Tecumseh Products, New Holstein for 41 years, retiring in 2007. In earlier years Rodney raised beef cattle while starting his family. He had previously owned a 1956 Crown Victoria which led him to his pride and joy, and now his 1962 Grand Prix. Rodney enjoyed riding his Harley, taking it on Sunday afternoon rides, and attending car shows with his friends. He collected model trains, toy tractors and pedal cars. Rodney always looked forward to spending time outdoors with his family, cutting wood, grilling out, bonfires and holidays. His true pride and joy was collecting and polishing everything he touched.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Lillie Ann, four children; Bradley Rabe (Kristi Braun) Plymouth, Tammy Rabe (Jeff Clark), Sheboygan, Jodi (Matthew) Narance, Kiel, Amy (Jonathan) Bennin, Sheboygan Falls, nine grandchildren; Samantha (Phillip) Halfmann, Brandon Rabe (Kalinda Thuss), Mitchell (Amanda) Barrette, Devon Barrette, Alexander Bennin, Logan Narance, Alyson Bennin, Ella Narance, Kaitlyn Rabe and two great-grandchildren, Davina Rabe, Braelynn Barrette and a baby on the way in June. He is further survived by his four sisters; MarJean (LeRoy) Schmitz, Dianne (Ted) Kaczmarski, Kathleen Rabe (Jerome Just), Julie (Tim) Kleinhans, a special sister-in-law, Debra (Del) Hass, a brother-in-law, Lee (Janet) Meyer, two sisters-in-law, Pat Meyer and Karen Detiege, one aunt, Janelle Wagner, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Jeffrey Scott Rabe (1967), mother-in-law and father-in-law, Alfred and Elvera Meyer, two nephews, Mark Haas and Keith Meyer, two brothers-in-law, Jerome Meyer and James Meyer and his special dog, Debo. Funeral services for Rodney will be held at 5:00 pm, Thursday, February 9, 2017 at St. Peters UCC (424 Fremont St., Kiel) with Rev. Christopher Ross officiating. Cremation will follow the service and burial will take place in the Kiel City Cemetery. Family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 2:00 pm until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.

Rodney's family would like to extend thanks for the wonderful care and compassion shown to them by Dr. H.M. Matthews from Matthews Oncology as well as his nurses and staff. Additionally, many thanks to Dr. P. Hari and the staff at Froedert Hospital, Milwaukee.

“God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so he put His arms around you, and whispered ‘Come to me.’ With tearful eyes we watched you, as you slowly slipped away, and though we loved you dearly, We couldn't make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, Your tired hands put to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.”