Charles J. “Charlie” Rakow

Charles J. “Charlie” Rakow, age 58, of Avoca, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at his home due to a fall. Charlie was born on May 1, 1954 in Dodgeville to James and Loretta (Johnson) Rakow. He was a 1972 graduate of the Highland High School. Charlie married the former Susan Zifka of Madison on October 13, 1973. The couple farmed their entire married life on the Rakow Farm, where Charlie grew up. He also worked for the University of Wisconsin and then 25 years at M.A.T.C. where he was a Janitorial Supervisor. Charlie enjoyed farming, hunting and showing quarter horses. His greatest joy was the time spent playing with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Charles Zifka; a brother-in-law, Otto Stocks and two nephews, David Knight and Scott Neumaier.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Susan Rakow of Avoca; his daughter, Shannon (David) Hermanson, Jr. of Dodgeville; four grandchildren, Jorden Hermanson; Cole King and Charles and Lacy Hermanson; two sisters, Carol Stocks of Dodgeville and Margery (Daniel) Neumaier of Arena as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.

Memorial services will be held at 5:00 P.M. Sunday, January 13, 2013 at the Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home in Dodgeville with Pastor Ramona Orton officiating. Inurnment will be in East Side Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday after 3:00 P.M.