Donald Rabe

Donald “Don” Rabe, 89, of St. Marys, Kansas, died Monday, March 8, 2021.  He was born March 2, 1932, to Theodore and Sophie (Bierbaum) Rabe.  He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Palmer, Kansas.  Don graduated from Linn High School in 1950.  In 1952, he met his future bride, the new schoolteacher at St. John’s Lutheran School.  Eunice Schone and Donald celebrated 65 years of marriage on May 31, 2018.

On January 14, 1953, Donald was asked to serve his country in the Korean War.  He proudly served in the 39 ^th Scout Dog Platoon, part of the 7 ^th Infantry Division, attaining the rank of sergeant.  After training at Camp Carson, Colorado, Don and his K-9 German Shepherd, Thor, “the best dog,” were deployed and led night patrols along the DMZ zone between North and South Korea.  The platoon’s bond remained strong, as they have continued to gather every year since the war ended.

Don and Eunice farmed in the Palmer area and had four children.  The family moved to Clay Center in 1970 and Don was employed at Walls True Value Hardware for many years.  In retirement, Don enjoyed woodworking and getting together with his coffee buddies.  They moved to St. Marys in 2018.

Don is survived by his four children:  Gary (Christie) Rabe, of St. Marys; Mark (Nancy Todhunter) Rabe, Bel Aire; Susan (David) Goldammer, Salina; and Linda (David) Frady, Leicester, North Carolina.  Grandchildren are Kody (RD) Carlson, Brandon (Katie) Rabe, Christopher Rabe, Nicholas Rabe, Matthew Goldammer, Robert Frady, and five great-grandchildren.  Sister, La Von Hornbostel, Palmer; sister-in-law, Lois Schone, Jacksonville, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Eunice, his parents, sisters Carol and Irene, and brother Norman.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 24, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clay Center, with Reverend Paul Tessaro officiating.  Inurnment will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clay Center, in care of   Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home, 918 Seventh St., Clay Center 67432.  Condolences:  www.nsrfh.com.