William E. Rabe
January 11, 1927 ~ August 30, 2021
William E. Rabe, age 94, passed away Monday, August 30, 2021 at Geneva Village Retirement. He was born January 11, 1927 in Women’s Hospital in Cleveland the son of Cecilie (Wegener) and William Ernest Rabe. He was a resident of Euclid, Ohio before moving to Madison in 1959.
He attended Miles Standish Elementary School, Empire Junior High and Glenville Senior High and received a BBA degree from Western Reserve University and Columbia University.
He was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army on Leyte, Luzon, Mindoro, The Philippines, and with the 8th Air Force on Okinawa, Japan.
He especially enjoyed the music of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s, and played the violin, viola, tympani and the ukulele, and never resisted the temptation of singing with a band or piano player.
He was an active member of the Madison Country Club since 1960, serving two six-year terms as a Board Member. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, bowling, horseshoes, photography with his own darkroom, learned to use a computer, and collected 78 rpm records as a hobby.
He worked for the Radebaugh-Fetzer Co., a Medical/Surgical Supply Co., where he became dedicated to the health field. Served as the first CEO of Northeastern Ohio General Hospital in Madison from 1959-1965. He was a member of Rotary International, Elks, and American Legion.
His career in long-term care began in 1965 at the Jewish Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center. He retired in 1992 but returned to the workforce in 2006 where he was remembered fondly as a Walmart Greeter, playing the Ukulele and Viola for countless customers.
Survivors are his loving wife of 56 years, Mary (Chihil) Rabe; children, Robert Rabe (JoAnn) Tucson, AZ.; David Rabe Madison, Ohio; Tom Rabe (Robin) Richmond Heights, Ohio; Nancy Cogsil (Tom) Stuart, FL.; Mariann Hamori (Steve) Chagrin Falls, Ohio; daughter-in-law: Kim Kemmer (John) Painesville, Ohio; grandchildren, Aaron, Audrey, Jack, Joel, Hannah, Morgan, Taylor, Kevin, Steven and Rheta; great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Ingrid, Brayton, Noah, Elliot, and Logan. He was preceded in death by His parents.
Friends and family will be received 10 am to 12 noon, Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison. Military Honors will be presented at 12 Noon by the Madison Community Funeral Honors Team. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the W.R. 1166 Lake Ave. Ashtabula, Ohio 44004.
Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
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We are deeply sorry for your loss
Thank you Mr Rabe I loved your gentle soul and your music at Walmart!
I used to love to come through the doors and have Bill greet me with “well hello sunshine,welcome back”.I have missed him sense he retired.
So sorry to hear about Bobs passing. He was such a compassionate person and a friend to all. He will be sorely missed. He told me once that he married a younger woman whom was always there to take care of him and he was so grateful to her. What a lucky woman to have had him in her life for as she did! RIP Bob!
Nancy (“Nanababe”) Rabe Cogsil is one of my oldest and dearest friends. We met at Redbird Elementary School in the early 60’s and remain friends to this day. I spent a lot of time in their home back in the day. I can still picture it vividly in my mind. What little piano I play, I learned from Nancy sitting at their upright in their, back of the house, playroom where we also played ping pong at summer parties. She definitely inherited her father’s musical gene! I remember Bill (and stepmom Mary) as strict parents bc if I asked my mom permission to go somewhere, she’d always respond with, “Well, is Nancy Rabe allowed to go?” That was the make it or break it deal. I remember her older brother, Tom, and his pet raccoon ?. I also became friends with her sister, Marianne, in high school. My sincerest condolences go out to the entire Rabe family during this, their time of loss. Karen Stewart Rauer
Thank you for the years of greeting at Madison Walmart playing the violin..it was a pleasure listening to you. God speed
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Deepest Condolences to the Rabe family. We have been neighbors for over 45 years. I grew up the the Rabe’s back yard. Mr Rabe would take my brother and I worm hunting (for fishing) all the time when were kids. He taught us about his compost and lots of little life lessons. Bill and Mary are wonderful people and wonderful neighbors to me and my parents. So very sad to hear of his passing. Cari McBride
Mr. Rabe's sweet gentle nature and music, greeting the community at Walmart was extraordinary and touched the hearts of many. Deepest Sympathy to the Rabe family.
With deepest sympathy, The Gallagher Family, Morrison, TN
Dear Dave, Jack and Nanook! We are thinking of you!
Mary I’m so so sorry. It’s heartbreaking. I have a couple of pictures on my phone I want to share with you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Karen Snell
He always put a smile on my face when I went into Walmart. He even sang a song to me because it had my name in it. Great guy! RIP.
I am sadden to hear of Williams passing. He will be missed. I enjoyed hearing him play as I entered Walmart at the holidays. I often told him what a joy he was. Always putting a smile on everyone that entered. ?
My deepest condolences to Mr. Rabe's family. My husband and I would go into walmart and we would look forward to seeing his smile or just listening to him play his violin. He was such a kind man. R.I.P.
With our love and deepest sympathy,
In memory of William E. Rabe, Howard Snevel lit a candle
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
I was honored to attend his annual picnic twice, through my friend Laura. What a precious memory now of Uncle Bill playing the ukulele. A beautiful day at the lake! Thankyou wonderful Family!