Leo L. Rabe

Leo L. Rabe, age 82 of Blairstown, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024, at Compass Memorial Healthcare, Marengo. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, January 26, 2024, at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been established.

Leo is survived by his three children, Andrew (Shannon) Rabe, Blairstown, Jason “Jake” (Erika) Rabe, Blairstown, and Lisa Rabe, Watkins; five grandchildren, Stephanie Moore (Clayton Whitney), Kaleb (Abbey) Rabe, Samantha Rabe (Kolby Volesky), Colton (Hazel) Rabe and Clayton Rabe; four great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, David Jones; a sister-in-law, Peggy Rabe; and his bonus family, Mason and Mindy Blizek and their five children, Promise City. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Janet Jones and a brother Jack Rabe.

Leo Lewis Rabe was born in Cedar Rapids on September 29, 1941, the son of Lewis and Helen (Pease) Rabe. Leo was a man of few words and lived by the motto, “honesty, integrity and reliability”. He and his brother Jack started Rabe Hardware in 1979. Leo operated the business with his two sons from 1979 until his retirement in 2000. He loved being in the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting and bird watching. Leo loved the Lake Rathbun area, so much so, he bought 90 acres of land and made it into a wildlife type sanctuary. He enjoyed hosting family and friends and balanced a great home and work life. Leo did everything for the love of his family. He was an amazing Grandpa, he never forgot a birthday and loved visiting his kids and grandchildren regularly.