Wayne "Red" Rakosky

Wayne F. “Red” Rakosky, 89, of Grand Island passed away September 11, 2015 at home with his wife Barbara by his side. There will be a family private burial at a later time. Wayne was a member of St Paul's Lutheran Church in Grand Island. All Faiths Funeral Home is serving the family. Mr. Rakosky was born May 12, 1926 in Burwell, Nebraska to Frank and Freda (Rohde) Rakosky. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Barbara Rakosky of Grand Island; children, Cathy (Gary) Slater of Harvard, Carol (Dr. Dolf) Ichtertz of Grand Island, Steve (Barb) Rakosky of Hastings, and Alan (Deb) Rakosky of Grand Island. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bobbi Jones and her children, Jenna SaBell and Chase Jones of Phoenix, AZ; Kevin (Jessica) Kuta and their children Colton and Nicole of Lincoln; Andrea Slater Gulley (Dr. Chris Gulley) of Amarillo TX; Kendra Rakosky and (Brandon Guthrie) of Omaha; Rachel Rakosky of Amarillo TX; and Alec Rakosky of Lincoln and brother-in-law, Ron Wells of Cotesfield. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Freda and son-in-law, Vernon Kuta. Wayne grew up in Ord, NE, attending and graduating from Ord Public Schools. He grew up working with his dad, Frank, as a well driller. Wayne was united in marriage to Barbara Klanecky on October 10, 1953 in Ord. After his father retired in 1956, he took over the business, with his wife, Barb, as the office manager. Wayne became a state certified Water Well/ Pump Installation Contractor through the Nebraska Well Drillers Association and the DHHS and later achieved a Water Well/ Pump Installation State Supervisor Certification. Wayne and Barb moved to Grand Island in 1966 and Wayne worked for New Holland until 1969. They moved to Loup City and Wayne re-continued his work as a well driller until 1979, before moving to Grand Island where he continued doing water wells. In 1986, Wayne returned to Ord, resuming his well work in his home town. Wayne moved back to Grand Island in 2002 and retired in 2006 at the age of 80 years. Wayne was very dedicated to his profession and was always available to his customer’s day or night regardless of the weather and even after his retirement was available for professional advice to his many customers that had become good friends. Wayne and Barb spent several weeks, many winters in Mesa, Arizona, spending time with friends at several resorts. Wayne was a member of the Grand Island Saddle Club and the Platt-Duetsche. He also enjoyed many coffee and lunch groups including Skagway, McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Hy-Vee, and Pumpers. His many accomplishments included taking flying lessons and achieving a private and recreational pilot license certificate. He also enjoyed air boating, fishing, and going to stock car races. Wayne was a man of great character, who lived life to the fullest with love, laughter, and so much strength. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends for making people happy with his great sense of humor and many practical jokes. Memorials are suggested to the family.

Wayne "Red" Rakosky

May 12, 1926 - September 11, 2015

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Wayne "Red" Rakosky

May 12, 1926 - September 11, 2015

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support