John Robert Rakar

John R. Rakar, age 85, of Lorain, passed away peacefully at his residence on the evening of Tuesday January 10, 2023. Born in Fairview, Ohio on November 26, 1937, he was a resident of Lorain for the majority of his life. John was a graduate of Lorain St. Mary High School as a member of the Class of 1955. Throughout high school and following graduation he worked for the Oberlin Avenue Drapery and Carpet Shop. His career there was interrupted when he was inducted into the United States Army in 1961. John fulfilled duty assignments as a Specialist 4 serving as a cook and steward for the 72nd Signal Battalion. Upon his discharge in 1963, he was presented with the Army Good Conduct Medal. Following completion of his military service, John returned to Lorain and re-joined the carpet shop. Soon thereafter, he and his wife, Jan, purchased the business and continued to perpetuate the company’s reputation for quality service and merchandise for the next sixteen years. Upon their sale of the drapery and carpet shop, John joined the home decorating division of J.C. Penney Company and worked an additional sixteen years as a window treatment installer based in Richmond Heights. He retired in 2013. A parishioner of Nativity BVM Catholic Church and member of the American Slovak Club, John was well known for the pride he took in meticulously maintaining his yard as well as his love for Scotty dogs. He enjoyed O-Gauge model railroading, playing cards, skiing, supporting the Cleveland Indians, roller-skating, fishing, and league bowling in his free time. In addition, he liked to travel and was fortunate to experience several oceanic cruises. John was also a consummate tinkerer always engaged in fixing, repairing, or fabricating something. Most of all, his greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his family and friends. John is survived by his wife of fifty-four years Jan (nee Kowalik), son Jeffrey Rakar (Amy) of Lorain, and daughter Jennifer Leopold (Michael) residing in Vermilion. He also leaves grandchildren Brianna Rakar, Ashley Rakar, Chloe Rakar, Daniel Rico, and Allison Leopold. John was preceded in death by his parents John J. and Katherine (nee Zilka) Rakar, and brother Donald. Please join his family for the celebration of his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday January 19th, in Nativity BVM Catholic Church – 1454 Lexington Avenue, Lorain. Reverend Craig M. Hovanec, Administrator of the parish will officiate. Military honors will be conducted at the conclusion of the Mass by Amvets Post # 32 of Elyria. Contributions in his memory are encouraged to either the Lorain Lighthouse Foundation – 319 Black River Lane, Lorain, OH 44052, Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church – 418 West 15th Street, Lorain, OH 44052 or the Hospice of the Western Reserve – 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44110.

John Robert Rakar

November 26, 1937 - January 10, 2023