Jerome B. Rakers

Jerome B. Rakers, age 91 of Carlyle, passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Mr. Rakers was born in Breese, Illinois on September 28, 1934, a son of the late Herman and Mary (Koerkenmeier) Rakers. He married Mildred L. Eikhoff at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman on February 13, 1957, and together they celebrated 67 years of happy marriage.

Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 and continued his commitment through service in the Army Reserves. Following his military service, he devoted his working years to agriculture as a livestock farmer and was active in the National Farmers Organization. Jerry later owned and operated Rakers Elevators, Inc. for many years, earning the respect of many through his hard work and integrity. A faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman, he was deeply involved in both his church and community. Jerry gave generously of his time through service on the Carlyle Economic Development Committee, and as a member of the Carlyle Rotary Club, Carlyle Optimist Club, and the Beckemeyer American Legion. He was deeply committed to Kaskaskia College and served on the Kaskaskia College Foundation Board. In recognition of his leadership and dedication, he was named Kaskaskia College Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003. As strong supporters of Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, Jerry and Millie were instrumental in helping bring the school to life. Despite his many professional and civic commitments, his greatest joy was his family-he was a devoted father and grandfather who loved attending his children's and grandchildren's activities and games. Jerry continued to support their schools and teams even after his children and grandchildren had graduated.

Mr. Rakers is survived by his children – Kathy Berndsen (Mark) of Breese, Barb Geiger (Tim) of rural Sandoval, IL, Jon Rakers (Dana) of La Grange, MO, and Carla Johnson (Gary) of Fenton, MO; his loving grandchildren – Trent Hermsmeyer (Ashley), Trina Reilmann (Alex), Justine Berndsen (Zack Hendricks), Regan Berndsen, Ian Berndsen, Amanda Copelin (Brad), Jessica Geiger, Adam Geiger, Jenna Kaiser (Bradley), Katelyn Rakers, Zach Johnson, and Alex Johnson; 5 great grandchildren; a sister, Cecilia Markus; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Steinmann; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Mary Rakers; his wife, Mildred Rakers on March 5, 2024; 2 children – Robert "Bobby" and Roberta "Missie" Rakers; his siblings, Marie and Alvin Grapperhaus, Marcella Seiffert, Paul and Johanna Rakers, Raymond Rakers, Rita and Ferd Deiters, Irene Rakers, Edwin Rakers, Alvera and Maurice Mannhard, Andrew and Mary Ann Rakers, Edmund Rakers; and his in-laws, Dick Markus, Esther and Gus Steinkamp, Elmer Eikhoff, Lillie and Howard Gillespie, and Erwin and Wilma Eikhoff.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman with Pastor Brett Jones, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Rakers are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home.