In Memory of Thomas W. "Tom" Rake, Sr.

Thomas W. “Tom” Rake, Sr., age 80, passed away Saturday, August 24, 2024, at his residence of Odebolt, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.., Friday, September 6, 2024, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt & Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Thomas W. “Tom” Rake, Sr., one of ten children born to F. Wayne and Evelyn Rake, was welcomed into the world at 2:25 p.m., in Kingman, Arizona, on June 2, 1944. Tom’s father Wayne was active in the United States Air Force. They lived most of their younger years in the Otho, Lehigh, and the Fort Dodge area.

In 1958, the family relocated to Kansas and Tom graduated from Collyer High School with the class of 1962. After graduation, Tom went right into the work force working road construction on Interstate 70. On December 22, 1962, at the American Legion Dance Hall of Wakeeney, Kansas, Tom met the love of his life Rita Berg. The couple were united in marriage on September 23, 1963, in the Collyer Methodist Church of Collyer, Kansas.

Operating large trucks, dozers, heavy equipment, and hauling loads was something Tom truly enjoyed throughout his life. In 1966, the family moved to Ida Grove, Iowa, where Tom joined his father Wayne moving dirt with large equipment. He also worked for the local Ida Grove Creamery hauling canned milk. Tom later hauled for the Lytton Creamery that became known as AMPI hauling bulk. From 1973-1981, Tom worked for Neville Construction out of Odebolt, Iowa and from 1981-1987 he drove for Odebolt CO-OP. For one year he worked as a local school janitor before returning to his true passion of hauling and driving truck. Over the next several years he hauled for Ag Land, Weatherall, Tiefenthaler, Bil Mar, Hallett Materials, Schoons, and GCC. Due to health issues Thomas retired in 2014.

Tom loved the great outdoors, hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting when he was able. He treasured dancing through life with his soulmate, Rita and spending time with his family and friends; especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tom will truly be missed by all who loved him.  

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Rita Rake of Odebolt, IA; children Thomas W. (Jayne) Rake, Jr. of Council Bluffs, IA; Tammy S. (Terry) Smith of Lake View, IA, Ted A. Rake of Odebolt, IA, and Teri L. (Russell) Vetter of Audubon, IA; grandchildren: Kristina Rake, Kara Flurey, Kayla Rake, Amber Rake, Katey Thorpe, Duane Vetter, William Smith, Wyatt Smith, and Walter Vetter; great grandchildren Emerson Rake, Declyn Thorpe, Everly Thorpe, and Lyric Granahan; siblings Pete (Holly) Rake of TX and Pat Rake of IA; brothers in laws Mike DeVault of TX, Keith Reinhart of IA, and Dave Stork of IA; faithful four-legged companion and best friend therapy dog Foxxee, who made the last four years of his life worth living along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his twin daughters Traci and Treci (1969); parents F. Wayne (1980) and Evelyn (1995) Rake; siblings Larry Allen (born sleeping), John (1993), Beth (2021), Peg (2017), Tim (1983), Lori (2014) and Craig (1998).