Eugene F. Rabas, age 87, of Maribel, passed away Monday evening, September 6, 2021 in his wife’s loving arms at Bellin Memorial Hospital in Green Bay.
Eugene was born on March 4, 1934 in Manitowoc County, son of the late Frank and Marcella (Zahorik) Rabas. He was a 1952 graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School. In 1954, Eugene joined the United States Army serving until his honorable discharge in 1956. On September 27, 1958 Eugene was married to the former Darlene M. Freimuth at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kellnersville.
Eugene worked all of his life at Rabas Garage in Maribel, first for his father and in 1970 buying the business and later in 1998, selling the business to his son, Paul. He served and was a 70-year active member of the Maribel Fire Dept., serving as chief for 21 years. Eugene was the last surviving charter member of the Maribel Lions Club, with perfect attendance his entire membership. He also received the coveted Melvin Jones Fellowship which is awarded for the members commitment to humanitarian work. He served the village of Maribel for many years as constable, and the Manitowoc County Sheriffs Dept. Auxiliary. Eugene was a member of the Johnson-Hershman American Legion Post #362 of Denmark, a 50-year member of WFLA Lodge #108 of Denmark and St. James Catholic Church of Cooperstown. He loved to attend all sporting events for his children and grandchildren, listening to Polka music, and tending to his vegetable gardens. He was a lifelong Packer, Brewer, and Badger fan. His favorite pastime was playing Sheepshead and enjoying a few Manhattans with his boys and girls. A true civil servant who offered a helping hand to all that he met and friend to many.
Survivors include his wife: Darlene M. Rabas, Maribel; his seven children: Paul (Lynn) Rabas, Maribel; Dale (Sarah) Rabas, Menomonee Falls; Mark (Lisa) Rabas, De Pere; Lori (Brian) Peterson, Melnik; Neal (Amy) Rabas, Deerbrook; Todd Rabas (Vicki Tanner-Rabas), Darboy; Lisa Hoeppner and her fiancée: Jeff Stradel, Whitelaw; 15 grandchildren: Lana (Matthew) Zuege, Melissa (Chad) Duel, Morgan Rabas, Mackenzie Rabas, Erika (Andrew) Fitzpatrick, Jessica Rabas(special friend: Jordan), Zachary Rabas(special friend: Greta) Evan (Alyssa) Rabas, Sadie Rabas, Amber Tanner (fiancée: Kyle), Logan Rabas, Danielle (Justin) Ourada, Andrew Hoeppner (special friend: Kelly), Lauren Hoeppner (special friend: Josh) Alex Hoeppner (special friend: Abigail); 6 great-grandchildren: Lucas, Kevin, Zander, Charli, Grady and Aiden; one brother and three sisters-in-law: Francis (Carol) Rabas, Denmark; Rita Rabas, Janesville; Veronica Rabas, Kewaunee; two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law: Judy Lambert, Kellnersville; Shirley (Kurt) Isley, Kellnersville; Jim Dimmer, Maribel; nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Marcella Rabas; one infant son; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: George and Leona Freimuth; two brothers: Cal Rabas and Donald Rabas; one brother-in-law: Ken Lambert; two sisters-in-law: Georgene McCol and Lynette Dimmer.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 11, 2021 at St. James Catholic Church, Cooperstown. The Rev. John Becker will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with Deacon Cal Naidl as homilist. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors accorded. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Friday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefuneralhomes.com. The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Kellnersville is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
The Rabas family would like to thank the Maribel First Responders, County Rescue Services and the medical staff of Bellin Memorial Hospital for all of their life saving efforts. The family greatly appreciates all that you did. THANK YOU!
