Gladys Rakowski

Funeral Mass for Gladys Rakowski, 93, of Dickinson, ND will be 11 a. m. , Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Father Jeff Zwack celebrating. Burial will be at a later date in St. Patrick?s Cemetery, Dickinson, ND. Visitation will be from 12 p. m. to 9 p. m. , Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, ND with a vigil service at 7 p. m. Gladys passed away January 25, 2010 at St. Joseph?s Hospital and Health Center, Dickinson, ND. Gladys Marie Johnson was born on a homestead nineteen miles north of Hebron, ND on the Knife River on January 27, 1916 to James Victor and Clara Amelia (Stai) Johnson. In 1922, she moved with her family to Zap, ND where she lived until 1934 when she moved to Dickinson, ND and at the Service Drug Store. In the fall of 1934 she enrolled in Model High School and Dickinson State College, earning her high school diploma and college credits. She was then employed at Wecker Drug Store until the time of her marriage in 1939 to Edmund F. (Eddie) Rakowski. Gladys was a devoted mother and was involved with her children?s school and other activities. She was a Cub Scout Leader, a Camp Fire Girls Leader, Jr. Catholic Daughter?s, Band Mother and worked in the Mardi Gras. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. She was especially known for her wonderful bread and rolls. As a young woman, Gladys enjoyed golfing. She was an avid reader and liked to play bridge. She organized the first Welcome Wagon Club in Dickinson in 1967 and served as a hostess until 1978. Gladys helped organize the Dickinson Nutrition Service in 1975 and served on the board until 1981. She was active at St. Patrick?s Church; coordinating the meal delivery for ten years, served on the board and chaired the Banquet Committee in 1985. Gladys was chairperson for the Centennial Ball which kicked off Dickinson?s Centennial Celebration in 1982, Gladys was the first Executive Director for United Way, serving from 1975-1977. She was named Honorary Chairperson for the United Way of Dickinson Campaign for 1988-89 and served on the United Way Retired Business and Professional Committee for ten years. Gladys served on the original board which organized ?The Friends of the Library?, serving as president for two years. She was an active member of St. Francis Cabrini Study Club for over fifty years. Gladys always regretted living so far from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gladys is survived by her sons, Doug (Jeanniene) Rakowski, West Bend, WI and Bill Rakowski, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Tara (Joe) Rakowski-O?Neill, Milwaukee, WI, Kristin (Mike) Kropilak, Knoxville, TN, Danielle (Todd) McClure, Highlands Ranch, CO and D. J. Charbonneau, Dickinson, ND. ; seven great grandchildren; sister, Eunice Whiting, Montesano, WA; brother, Robert Johnson, Walnut Creek, CA and her special second loving family, Ron and Helen Ostby and family, Dickinson, ND. She is preceded in death by both parents; her husband, Edmund in 1996; daughter, Sydney Charbonneau; son, James Peter; one sister and three brothers. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be given to ?The Friends of the Library? 128 2nd Street West Dickinson, ND 58601


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Burial Date: January 28, 2010
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: Thursday, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, ND