Robert Rakowski
Robert J. “Rocky” Rakowski, 87, of Grant Township, died Thursday evening, December 18, 2025 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. He was born on October 15, 1938 at the family homestead in Grant Township, the son of the late John and Anna (Kubiak) Rakowski. Robert married Theresa “Terry” Mikula on Sept. 6, 1969 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee. Terry preceded him in death on July 7, 1986.
Bob was employed with Seng Crane & Excavating Company most of his life until his retirement. He joined the Grant Township Fire Department in 1980 and became fire chief in 1989, holding that position until November of 2000, when he became township supervisor in December of 2000, until the present time. He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish (Saint Joseph Catholic Church) of Manistee.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Alicia Rakowski of Grant Township; his grandson, Brandon and Emily Rakowski of McBain; step-granddaughter Clementine Pollington of McBain and great-granddaughter, Winona Rakowski of McBain; his special friend Marie Schuelke of Manistee and her children; Renee (Jim) Suschil and their daughter Jasmine, and Rachelle (John) Janicki and their sons, Garin and Jamisen; his sisters-in-law, Michalene Mikula of Manistee and Janet Abramowski of Cedar; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Terry Rakowski; his son Robert “Robbie” Rakowski; his parents John and Anna (Kubiak) Rakowski and his sisters and brothers in-law, Helen and Ray Budde and Mary Ann and Harry Gajewski an infant brother; and his brother Max Rakoski.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee, with Rev. James Bearss celebrant. Burial will follow the mass, at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Manistee.
Relatives and friends will pray the Evening Vigil Service on Friday evening, Dec. 26, 2025 at 8 p.m. at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee, where friends may begin calling on Friday evening, after 6 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday morning, at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until leaving for the church at 10:40 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with final expenses. The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.
.png)
