John Dean Rakestraw, 69 of Nebraska City passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Syracuse, NE. He was born on October 20, 1948 in Nebraska City, NE; the son of Wilbur and Ruth Irene (McCord) Rakestraw.
He graduated from Falls City High School with the class of 1967. On January 19, 1974 John was united in marriage to Deborah K. Davis in Nemaha, and to this union two children were born: Ronald and Joni.
John worked at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebr. City and in 1976 joined the Nebraska City Police Department and served as a police officer for 28 years. He retired in 2004 as a Sergeant on the force. After his retirement he worked for the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office as a Dispatcher. He was a member of the National Fraternal Order of Police.
John is survived by his wife Deborah Rakestraw of Neb. City; two children: Ronald Rakestraw and significant other Summer Warren of Neb. City and Joni Rakestraw of Neb. City; three grandchildren: AJ Rakestraw, Averly Rakestraw and Stevie Rakestraw; sister, Jo Sperline and husband Ronnie of Morrill, KS; numerous nieces and nephews; other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Ruth Ann Tisdel and Wilbur Charles Rakestraw.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Gude Mortuary with Fr. James Morin officiating. Burial will be held in the Wyuka Cemetery at a later date.
The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday (12/26) at the mortuary. Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com. Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City is in charge of arrangements.
