Mary Lou Rakers, age 85, of Quincy, died on Saturday, November 22, 2025 in her home. She was born on December 25, 1939 in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Paul and Gladys (Tyson) Tushaus. She married Tom Rakers on October 24, 1959 in St. Francis Catholic Church. He survives.
Mary Lou graduated from Notre Dame High school in 1957 and also attended Gem City Business College. She worked as a court reporter for the Adams County Courthouse and was later a legal secretary working for the law firm of Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu and Mitchell. She had also worked for Judge Richard Scholz. Mary Lou was a long time and active member of St. Francis Catholic Church. She belonged to the Ladies of St. Francis, the Funeral Choir and the Angel Dusters at the Church. She was also an active member of the Ladies of Charity. She enjoyed camping, traveling and spending winters in Florida.
In addition to her husband, Mary Lou is also survived by: TWO SONS: Scott T. Rakers (Heather) of Washington, Illinois and Daniel W. Rakers of Las Vegas, Nevada. TWO GRANDCHILDREN: Ashley L. Fesler (Ryan) of Quincy and Brandon S. Rakers (Cyndi) of Fort Worth, Texas. FOUR GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Rylan Grace Fesler, Richard Liam Fesler, Hudson B. Rakers and Denver Floyd Wagnon. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, one great granddaughter, Payten Nicole Fesler, and brothers: Thomas 'Tom' Tushaus along with his wife Janet 'Kay' and Richard 'Dick' Tushaus along with his wife Paula.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Eling and his staff and also Blessing Hospice and their staff for the wonderful care that they gave to Mary Lou.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 9:30 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 Am at St. Francis Catholic Church by Father Bob Barko, OFM. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to an educational fund for Mary Lou's great- grandchildren in care of Tom Rakers, the Ladies of Charity or to St. Francis Catholic Church. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.
2 Entries

Lisa Musolino-Scholz
November 26, 2025
Our condolences to Tom & the family of Mary Lou. We always enjoyed our visits with Mary Lou & Tom when they wintered nearby in Ellenton, FL. Marylou's sense of humor & kindness will always be remembered, as well as her years dedicated to assisting at the law office for RF Scholz, Jr. God's blessings Mary Lou Tom & Lisa Scholz
Joe Lubbe
November 25, 2025
My prayers are with you
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