Walter E. Rakow

CSM(R) Walter Edward Rakow, beloved husband, father, "Pop", Ranger, and Servant of Christ, marched peacefully on to his eternal home on Sunday, December 8th, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
Born on May 10th, 1957, in Oconto Falls, WI, Walter lived a life full of love, dedication, and devotion to Christ, his country, and his family. He grew up on the Rakow family dairy farm in Suring, WI, where he spent his formative years helping his dad care for the farm. He graduated from Suring High School in 1975 before attending the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh for one year, pursuing studies in Special Education. He enlisted in the United States Army in December, 1976. He was united in marriage to the love of his life and eternal companion, Laura Lee (Jones) Rakow on April 22nd, 1988. Together through everything, they enjoyed 36 incredible years of marriage and have four children: Aaron (Nichole), Hill Air Force Base, UT; Katie (Bryan) Fisher, Fort Johnson, LA; Nathan (Katie), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA; Jacob (Katie), La Crosse, WI; and four grandchildren, Greta, Eliot, Nora, and Henry.
CSM Rakow completed Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and Advanced Individual Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA. He served in every enlisted leadership position from rifle team leader to Brigade Command Sergeant Major. He served as a Gunner, Rifleman, Automatic Rifleman and Team Leader while assigned to C. Co (Airborne) 4/23 INF, Fort Richardson, AK. He served as a Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and performed duties as a Platoon Leader while assigned to 2nd Ranger BN. He served as a Ranger Instructor for the Light Leaders Course, Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course, and the Desert Phase of Ranger School. He served as a Platoon Sergeant in 3rd Ranger BN, Fort Benning, GA. He served as a First Sergeant for A. Co. and Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 2nd Ranger BN, Fort Lewis, WA. He served as the BN CSM for 2/11 INF (Infantry Officer Basic Course); 5/87 INF, Republic of Panama; and the 1st Ranger BN, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, GA. His Ranger career culminated in his appointment as the 8th Regimental Command Sergeant Major of the 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, GA. He retired from active duty as the CSM of the 181st Infantry Brigade at Fort McCoy, WI. His military education includes all levels of NCOES, culminating in successful completion of the Sergeants Major Academy and the Command Sergeant Major Course; Airborne School, Ranger School, HALO, Pathfinder, Jumpmaster, SERE, and Jungle Warfare School. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Commendation Medal (3rd OLC), Army Achievement Medal (4th OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (10th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3rd award with combat jump identifier), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4th award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Master Parachutist Badge with combat identifier, and Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge. He was also awarded the Humanitarian Service Award as a Department of the Army Civilian for his role in Operation Allies Welcome. He participated in multiple combat operations, including Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada), Operation Just Cause (Panama), Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti), and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). In Operation Just Cause, he participated in the low-level Airborne Assault on Rio Hato Airfield, Republic of Panama. He retired from the United States Army in 2007 after more than 30 years of exceptionally meritorious, dedicated service to his country.
Known throughout the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the Army, for his "dynamic" personality and direct approach to leadership, he inspired countless generations of soldiers and leaders through his unwavering commitment to the Army, the mission, and to those with whom he served. Following his retirement, he continued to serve the 181st Infantry Brigade as a federal civilian, mentoring the next generation of Army leaders.
Walter was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in numerous callings, from nursery leader to Branch President, fulfilling each one with the utmost devotion. His commitment to serve the Lord never faltered and served as a guiding principle in every aspect of his life.
The greatest joy Walter found in this life was in his family and the time he was blessed to spend with them. He seized every opportunity to spend time with his family, every single one of whom he loved deeply and provided for selflessly, traveling around the country and beyond to be with them as often as he could. One of his favorite hats to wear was being the best "Pop" in the world and you could almost always find him on the floor, wrestling with his four endlessly energetic grandchildren.
A beacon of love and a shining example of the joy and fulfillment of a life well-lived, Walter's larger-than-life personality and enormous presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar Rakow; his brother, Edward Rakow; and his grandson, Eliot Rakow. Other loved ones left to cherish his memory are his mother, Mary (Colson) Rakow of Shawano, WI; brothers, Steven (Donna) of Suring, WI and Douglas (Liz) of Lakeside, CA; sisters Linda Rakow-Schenkoske of Jenison, MI, Beth (Ghyass) Rizk of Lafayette, LA, Naomi (Jeff) Bergner of Shawano, WI, Susan (Craig) Strehlow of Green Bay, WI; sister-in-law Danielle Rakow of Lohman, MO; and a host of other beloved relatives.
A celebration of Walter's life will be held in the Spring at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, WI. Family and friends are invited for the visitation, followed by the service at Mount Vernon Cemetery. Following the services, all are welcome to join the family for dinner and to share fond memories. His family will provide more details as the time for services approaches.
Walter was a dedicated Red Cross platelet donor for many years. Please consider becoming a platelet donor in his memory.
"You have fought on to the Ranger objective and completed your mission. Rangers Lead the Way!"