Rakers, Dorothy Ann Gladfelter

Dorothy Ann Yanek Gladfelter Rakers, 87, of Wataga, died at 7:26 p.m. April 8, 2014 at home with her family by her side.

Dorothy was born on April 21, 1926 in Streator, the daughter of John and Anna (Pasterchin) Yanek.  She married Kenneth Gladfelter on October 18, 1947.  He preceded her in death on September 30, 1988.  She later married Charles Rakers on September 16, 1989.  He survives of Wataga.  She is also survived by one son, William (Sharon) Gladfelter of Franklin Park; two daughters, Pam (Dan) Story of Hudson and Judy Gladfelter (Skip Bell) of Galesburg; two step sons, Charles (Debbie) Rakers of Woodstock and Wayne (Bette) Rakers of Galesburg; one step daughter, Debra Rakers of Springfield, OR; and one daughter in law, Debbie Gladfelter-DeMario of River Grove.  She is also survived by one brother, Donald Yanek of Streator; one sister, Lillian Surrock of Streator; 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by six brothers, John, George, Edward, Joe, Raymond, and Adam; four sisters, Verne Poruba, Mary Yanek, Mary Warner, and Sister Ann Yanek; and one step son, Timothy Rakers.

In her early years, Dorothy was a boat runner at Seneca building LST boats during WWII.  Dorothy was a meat wrapper at Kroger’s from 1958 to 1986.  She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Ladies of Mary, and a past longtime member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  She was also a member of the Peacemakers Quilt Club.  In her free time she enjoyed working in her yard.  Dorothy will always be remembered as a wonderful seamstress.  She also loved animals.

Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2014 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, with the eulogy being read at 7 p.m. and the rosary will be prayed at 7:15 p.m.  Additional visitation will be 10-10:45 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Memorials may be directed to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or to Beacon of Hope Hospice.

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