"Milroy was always happy. His smile would brighten any room he was in. I feel lucky to have known him. "
In loving memory of
Milroy Allan Rabe
February 18, 1956 - March 19, 2023
Milroy Allan Rabe was born on February 18, 1956 in Denison, Iowa, the son of Alfred and Eleonora ( Meseck ) Rabe. Milroy passed away at the Maple Heights Nursing Home in Mapleton, Iowa at the age of 67, on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
He was baptized and confirmed into Christ at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hanover Township, Charter Oak, Iowa. In his younger years, he received his early education from the Rickett's Public School and Schleswig Community School. Later he attended Denison Community School and graduated with the class of 1974.
After graduation, Milroy helped his brother, Delbert, work the family farm. Milroy also worked for many area farmers, as well as Charter Oak Ag in Charter Oak, Iowa. In his later years, he worked primarily for relatives and neighbors, while living with his sister, Lois, in their home in Ute, Iowa. He enjoyed walking around town and having coffee with local farmers at the Quick Shop in Ute.
Milroy loved going fishing with his big brother, Delbert; using black jelly beans for fish bait. Milroy & Delbert looked forward to weekend visits with their sister, Lois, and her delicious cooking. He especially enjoyed the 4TH of July, loving to help shoot off firecrackers. Some other highlights for Milroy were traveling with Ronnie & Susan Meseck to Adventureland & to the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa.
Milroy was a devout Christian, whose faith in his Savior was central in his life. Milroy faithfully read his daily devotions. He enjoyed going to all church functions, including Walther League. Milroy had a special talent for remembering his friends and relatives' birthdays; calling KDSN the local radio station to request a birthday song for them. He also loved singing jingles of his favorite T.V. programs. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on word searches, playing cards, and watching T.V., especially "The Andy Griffith Show".
Milroy is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Delbert, and one sister, Joleen. Survivors include his sister, Lois, and many relatives and friends.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023 with a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. Interment will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Hanover Township, Charter Oak. Memorials may be directed to the Crawford County American Cancer Society.
Tributes
"I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Milroy. Milroy was the first differently abled person I knew. I felt fortunate to be a member of an extended family that included Milroy. From Milroy, I learned the importance of acceptance, connecting with others and just how far a positive attitude will take you in life. He was always smiling, never complained about anything, and sought out work. He worked with pride. He cared for his family, taking care of Delbert and his mother Eleonora. One of my favorite memories is drinking pop and eating a hamburger with Milroy at the Ricketts Pop In while he and Delbert played cards with others. A Meseck family reunion would not feel complete without getting an update from Milroy. I wish there was more I could have learned from him. The world seems a less cheerful place without Milroy in it. I will miss him. I share in the feelings of loss and sorrow with Lois and all of Milroy's other family and friends. Milroy was a wonderfully good person. Heaven's gain is this world's great loss. "
"Very sorry to hear this. My dad always loved being with his cousins. God's blessings to Lois and other family and friends. Mike Westphalen"
"Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Lois and all of Milroy's family and friends. He had the kindest heart and was such a good person. We are so sorry for your loss. Jim & Nancy"