Richard H. "Rich" Rakers, 84, of New Baden, Ill., died Monday, March 13, 2006 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, Ill. He was born April 6, 1921 in Mascoutah, son of Gerhard and Frances (Hellmann) Rakers. He married Marcella M. Billhartz on October 22, 1946 in Damiansville and she survives in New Baden.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kathy Rakers, Cindy Monical, Sue Whitaker and husband Fred and Martha Heinzmann, all of New Baden, Colette Knobeloch and husband Russell of Belleville, and Marietta Santel and husband Don of New Memphis; 13 grandchildren, Philip Rakers, Gina Rakers, Tammy Haake and husband Scott, Lee Monical and wife Dawn, Sarah Monical, Trevor Whitaker, Tara Whitaker, Tyler Whitaker, Donnie Santel, Matt Santel, Jeff Santel, Dana Heinzmann and Jason Heinzmann; five great-grandchildren, & Samantha Therion, Kodie Monical, Kyle Monical, Kameron Monical, Breanna Santel; two brothers, Francis "Bud" Rakers and wife Mary Jo, Cletus "Butch" Rakers and wife Margie all of New Baden; two sisters, Henrietta Kalmer of New Baden and Eugenia Rensing of Fairview Heights; daughter-in-law, Kathy Tutka and husband Jim of Huntsville, Ala.; brothers-in-law, Leonard Fiedler of New Baden, Wilbert "Bud" Billhartz and special friend Ellen Hayden of Belleville, Donald Billhartz and wife Dorothy of Belleville, David Billhartz and wife Janet of Lebanon, and Mike Billhartz and wife Nancy of Smithton; and sisters-in-law, Henrietta Rakers of Trenton, Leona Billhartz of O’Fallon, Mary Billhartz of New Baden, and Mary Bard and husband William of Renton, Wash.; he was also survived by numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth R. "Kenny" Rakers; four brothers, Oscar Rakers, Alvin Rakers, Henry "Hank" Rakers, and Gerald Rakers; two sisters, Gertrude "Goldie" Rakers, and Flora Fiedler; brothers-in-law, Hubert Kalmer, Sr., Ben Rensing, Earl Billhartz, Clarence Billhartz and Thomas Billhartz; and sisters-in-law, Anna Rakers, and Viola Billhartz.

Mr. Rakers retired in December 1977 from civil service at Scott Air Force Base as a civil engineer. He earned his GED in June of 1978. He was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy. He was a member of St. St. George Parish and Men’s Club, a lifetime and charter member of the American Legion Post 321 of New Baden, Trenton Knights of Columbus Council 2932, Illinois Farm Bureau, New Baden VFW Post 3642 and Musicians Local 175 in Highland.

He formed the Rich Rakers Orchestra and one of his greatest pleasures was playing music with his son Kenny in the orchestra. He appeared on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour in 1956 and assisted many local area musicians. He also enjoyed his farm in Randolph County, Ill.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 16, 2006 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Msgr. Donald Eichenseer officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2006 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 16, 2006 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden.

The American Legion will visit 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Clinton Manor Activity Fund or to St. George Church and will be received at the funeral home.