Keith L Rakestraw

Keith L. Rakestraw, 90, of East Peoria passed away at 11:35am Sunday November 13, 2001 at his residence with family by his side. Keith was born on June 23, 1921 in Industry, Illinois the son of Elisha and Carrie black Rakestraw. He married Peggy E. Larimore on October 6, 1953 in Peoria. Surviving are his wife, two daughters Barbara Meier of West Peoria, and Julie (John) Kunski of Peoria, and one son Brian Rakestraw of East Peoria. Also surviving are six grandchildren Michael Meier, Kathy Lynn Bendler, Carrie Budzinski, Amanda Hageman, Tosha Adkins, and Morgan Rakestraw as well as 8 great grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister Madelyn (Glen) Brown of Florida, and one brother Eugene Rakestraw of Peoria. He was preceded in death by three sisters; Delberta Brown, Jackie Doubet, and Betty DaVault. He was an honorably discharged WWII US Navy Veteran serving on the PT Boat 181 in the Pacific Theatre, Philippines. He then worked for the Peoria Journal Star for 33 years, and later worked for Caterpillar Tractor Co for several years, and lastly the City of East Peoria Public Works Department doing landscaping before formally retiring. He loved gardening as a mastergardner, enjoyed watching birds and especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Cremation rites have been accorded with a memorial service scheduled for 1pm Thursday November 17, 2011 at Mason Funeral Home in Germantown Hills. Visitation will be one hour prior to his services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in his name to the Easter Seals Disability Services.