Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1953
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Rakes Obituary
Born on August 30, 1953, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Cecil D. Rakes and Evelyn M. (Miller) Rakes. He was the devoted husband of Linda Sue Rakes, with whom he shared 53 wonderful years of marriage.
Mike is survived by his children, Michael Rakes II and wife Casey of Thurmont, and Rebecca Sanders of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Hannah, Colby, Wyatt, Tyler, Emma, Owen, Riley, and Natalie; and great-grandchildren, Waylon, Carter, Dallas, and Hudson. He is also survived by his siblings, Joan, Ann, Gene, and Sam.
He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mike Pepper, and several siblings.
A 1971 graduate of Catoctin High School, Mike spent much of his career as a skilled mechanic and later as a parts salesman with Werres Corporation in Frederick, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in 2018.
Mike was a devoted member of Pioneer Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and a faithful servant of the Lord. He cherished time spent with both his family and his church family, and found joy in the outdoors-especially fishing, hunting, and riding his ATVs.
Friends and family will be received at Pioneer Baptist Church, 13802 Long Road, Thurmont, on Thursday, November 6, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again on Friday, November 7, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
A funeral service will be held at the church on Friday at 11:00 a.m., with his pastor, Pastor Stanley Wilson, officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mike's memory to Pioneer Baptist Church, P.O. Box 355, Thurmont, MD 21788.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at hartzlerfuneralhome.com. Michael E. Rakes
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rakes
Sponsored by Hartzler Funeral Home - Woodsboro Woodsboro.
5 Entries
Rebecca Miller
November 7, 2025
May you all feel.prace, comfort and strength only the Lord can give you. And rest in knowing you'll be together again some glorious day in Heaven. Love to you all from Todd and Rebecca Miller and family.
Gary A Crum
November 6, 2025
Worked with Mike at Potts & Callahan, what a terrific person and could repair anything. Rest in peace Mike
Gary Reed
November 5, 2025
Mike and I grew up together and were like brothers. We built tree houses, played guitar together, roller skated, worked on cars and had really good times. Rest in peace Mike.
Keith Dorsey
November 4, 2025
Never sat still, always on the move and working on something. I bought a van & a car off his son which I won a demolition derby with. I worked with Mike at Werres corp. if he knew you he would do what ever he could to help you if you needed it. A wonderful man.
Ronnie & Angie Mathews
November 4, 2025
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all!
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Rakes's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Rakes
Nov
6
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Pioneer Baptist Church
13802 Long Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788
Nov
7
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Pioneer Baptist Church
13802 Long Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788
Nov
7
Service
11:00 a.m.
Pioneer Baptist Church
13802 Long Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788
Funeral services provided by:
Hartzler Funeral Home - Woodsboro404 South Main Street, Woodsboro, MD 21798
How to support Michael's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Rakes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more