Gerald Robert Rabe

Gerald Robert "Jerry" Rabe, 76, of Topeka, Kansas, died March 22, 2013 at his home. He was born on June 15, 1936 in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Jacob George and Odelia Elizabeth (Schaefer) Rabe. Jerry attended St. Joseph?s grade school. He worked at Santa Fe as the assistant manager of the Car Department and later retired as the Head of Safety after 38 years of service. He married Mary K. Kennedy on February 27, 1960 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. They celebrated over 53 years of marriage. Jerry enjoyed watching his grandchildren?s sporting events, Sunday lunches with family, bowling, pontoon boating at Lake Perry, and vegetable gardening. He also enjoyed working at the Pizza Parlor, Party Shack, volunteering at the Germanfest, and was an avid Hayden High School supporter. He is survived by his wife Mary, his children, Christy Rabe of Topeka, Mike (Michelle) Rabe of Topeka, Annie Paslay of Topeka, and Bryan (Ronda) Rabe of Delia, nine grandchildren, Ashley, Mykala, Jerry, Christian, Shane, Abbigail, Kelsey, Alyssa, and Gracie, one great-grandson, Michael Vance, two brothers, James Rabe of California, and Charles Rabe of Ozawkie. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Jacob Rabe, Bobby Rabe, Ruth Robinson, and Joan Wolff. Jerry will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home after 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made in Jerry?s memory to Sacred Heart/St. Joseph Catholic Church and sent in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.