Melvin Rabe

A Funeral Mass for Melvin Rabe, 87, of Baker MT, will be 11:00 a. m. , Monday, July 15, 2013 at St. John Catholic Church in Baker with Father Thomas Tobin celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation for Melvin will be 1:00 p. m. – 6:00 p. m. , Sunday, July 14th at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker with a Rosary and Vigil being held at 4:00 p. m. Melvin passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive, MT. Melvin Rabe was born October 15, 1925 in Plevna, MT, the son of Carl and Adeena (Hoenke) Rabe. He grew up and attended country school south of Plevna at the Lame Jones School, later graduating in 1943 from Plevna High School. Melvin enlisted into the US Navy in 1944. He served on the USS Sierra in Shanghai, China and was honorably discharged in 1946. Mel returned to Plevna and began working for a number of farmers. On September 10, 1955, Melvin married Nancy Cooper in Plevna. To this union, David, Paul and Kenneth were born. He began working as a carpenter for Herbst Construction and was the foreman for many large projects. In 1971, he moved his family to the MDU Cabin Creek Plant, where he was a compressor operator. Mel later became the Plant Supervisor, holding that position until 1993, when he retired. He and Nancy then moved and made Baker their home. Mel was active in the community, serving on the Plevna School board. He was also a member of the K of C and the American Legion Post #35 for 62 years where he also served on the firing squad. He was also active with the Baker Senior Citizens Center. Melvin enjoyed bowling, playing cards and especially his family and grandchildren. He loved family gatherings. Mel is survived by; sons, David Rabe of Lincoln, NE, Paul (Sally) Rabe of Peoria, AZ and Kenneth (Susan) Rabe of Peoria, AZ; six grandchildren, Logan, Kaila, Nolan, Layton, Sheridan and Jenna; brother, Delbert Rabe of Auburn, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancy; brother, Ronald Rabe; sisters, Carol Reed and JoAnn Pierce. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.


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Burial Date: July 15, 2013
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Mass: Monday: St. John’s Catholic Church, Baker, MT