The family of Rev. Gail Rabe, emeritus, has informed us that Pastor Rabe fell asleep in his Savior on November 21, 2021 in Elmhurst, Illinois.
He was born in Elmhurst in 1933 where he was also baptized by his grandfather, the Rev. Carl Abel, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elmhurst, where his parents and both sets of grandparents were members. After attending Immanuel’s grade school for grades 1-8, he began his education in preparation for the Holy Ministry at Concordia High School and Jr. College, Ft. Wayne, IN, and completed his formal education at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (1953-1958).
Pastor Rabe served St. Paul Lutheran Church, Schaller, IA (1958-1961), St. Peter Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, MO (1961-1964) and the following Northern Illinois District congregations: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake (1964-1978), St. Paul Lutheran Church, Addison (1978-1983), and Trinity Lutheran Church, Glencoe (1983-2005). From 1971 through 1990 Pastor Rabe hosted group travel program which took him (and usually his wife and sometimes their children) to over 30 countries.
After the death of his wife, Carole (Deichmann), in 2005, Pastor Rabe began what he called “an extended vacation” in San Diego, CA, where his oldest son, Mark, owned a medical practice, until his return to Illinois, where his other two sons, Brian and Deane, and their families continue to live in Arlington Heights and Palatine, respectively. Survivors include his three sons and their wives: Mark and Anna (Diaz), Brian and Denise (Bryant), and Deane and Rebecca (Schalck), and four grandchildren: Lauren, Eric, Alex, and Corina. Gail was preceded in death by his wife, Carole, in June 2005.
Visitation and funeral will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 142 E. Third St., Elmhurst, IL 60162, on Saturday, November 27, 2021. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Elm Lawn Cemetery following the service.
Memorial(s) to be suggested by family for those who desire to give a memorial:
• Worship Anew. 5 Martin Luther Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. 888-286-8002
worshipanew.org/donate
• Immanuel Lutheran Church. 142 E. Third St., Elmhurst, IL 60126. 630-832-1649
ilselmhurst.org
• Lutheran Church Charities. Lutheran Church Charities, 3020 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062.
lutheranchurchcharities.org/give-lcc-general.html