Joseph Evans Rabe

1943 - 2022

Joseph (Joe) Evans Rabe

September 10, 1943-April 21, 2022

Joseph (Joe) Evans Rabe, age 78, passed away on April 21, 2022 in South Pasadena, Florida. Joe was a loving son, father and grandfather. He was kind and giving to his family and the many friends who crossed his path over the years. Joe was born in Davenport, Iowa in 1943. After graduating from high school in Illinois, he attended Illinois Wesleyan University. Joe took a job with Sears & Roebuck and held a variety of positions at stores in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. From his earliest days, a love of automobiles was kindled within him, a lifelong passion he shared with his father, Julius. In the late 1980's, Joe finally made his passion for automobiles his profession and became the co-owner of a Dodge-Chrysler-Plymouth dealership in Sauk City, Wisconsin. In his retirement, he traveled between East Moline, Illinois and South Pasadena, Florida, where he continued to be an active member of several car clubs. He had a particular passion for Packard, Studebaker, Avanti and Saab vehicles. Joe had a knack for storytelling and was happiest when he had the chance to regale friends with his tales, into the wee hours of the morning, with his unique personality and passion on full display. Joe is survived by his children, Scott (Wendy) Rabe and Kristine Statz, as well as his grandchildren, Kyler Rabe, Noah Rabe, Brady Statz and Chandler Statz; cousins, Jane (Larry) Tschappat and Orene (Norman) Antolik, extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Alice (Evans) Rabe, and son-in-law, Craig Statz. A celebration of life will be held in East Moline, Illinois at a future date. Obituary available at www.brettfuneralhome.net.