Deborah J. Rakers
- Visitation Dates and Times
Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese
Friday, January 24, 2025, from 9:00-10:45 a.m. at St. Felicitas Catholic Church in Beaver Prairie
- Service Date
Friday, January 24, 2025
- Service Time
11:00 a.m.
- Service Location
St. Felicitas Catholic Church in Beaver Prairie
- Full Obituary
Deborah J. “Debbie” Rakers, age 72, of Frogtown, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon. She was born August 28, 1952, in Highland, a daughter of the late Harry and Shirley M., nee Meskil, Blankenship. Debbie married Norbert Rakers, August 16, 1993, in Las Vegas, NV and he survives in Frogtown.
In addition to her husband Norbert, Debbie is survived by her children, Jeremy (Jenny) Rakers of Trenton, Joe (Katie) Kapp of Belleville, Josh (special friend, Kristy Jones) Rakers of New Baden, and Eric (Jess) Kapp of Caseyville; grandchildren, Lauren Koch, Hailey and Harrison Rakers, Bryce and Alyson Kapp, Dossen Rakers, and Layna Kapp; siblings, Dennis (Bonnie) Blankenship of Wisconsin, Mary (Rich) Hollenkamp of Breese, Randy Blankenship of Hookdale, Angie (Jeff) Garbe of Pocahontas, and Shelly (John) Kious of Royal Lake; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Harry (Cheri) Rakers of Champaign, Judy (Joe) Husmann of Breese, Stan (Diane) Rakers of Aviston, Ron (Dana) Rakers of Highland, Ralph (Nancy) Rakers of Carlyle, John (Mary Ann) Rakers of Breese, and Mary (John) Scott of Breese; and nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by her step-father, Carroll Meyer; brother, Ricky (Sara) Meyer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Clara, nee Fuhler, Rakers; and a brother-in-law, Mike “Friz” Rakers.
Debbie retired from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, where she worked in the admitting office, and was an active member of her community. She was a devoted member of St. Felicitas Catholic Church and Altar Sodality, served as the parish secretary in Beaver Prairie, and was a member of the Concordia Saengerchor. Debbie found joy in many activities, including bowling in leagues at V & H Recreation in Breese on Thursday and Hank’s Bowl in Trenton on Sunday, floating in her pool, and spreading holiday cheer as Mrs. Claus during Christmas. Above all, she treasured attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting events.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Felicitas Catholic Church in Beaver Prairie with Fr. Tom Killeen presiding. Interment will be at St. Felicitas Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese and again on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 9:00-10:45 a.m. at St. Felicitas Catholic Church in Beaver Prairie.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or St. Felicitas Catholic Church and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
