Larry Lewis Rakoz passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 13th surrounded by his family. He was born in Toledo, Washington, on Oct. 6, 1939 to Ferdinand “Fritz” Rakoz and Adora (Nash) Rakoz.
Larry married Winnie Merchant on Dec. 30, 1961, and they made their home in Winlock, Washington, where they raised their five children. After working for Weyerhaeuser for 44 years, he retired in 2004. Larry was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting with his sons, grandsons and many family friends. Over the past few months, he was heard saying that he is ready to go to the “hunting party in the sky.” In addition to hunting, Larry enjoyed taking his family on country drives and attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. In his spare time, he would often be found watching John Wayne movies.
Larry is survived by his wife, Winnie (Merchant) Rakoz; his children, Carole (David) Goodman, Karen Rakoz-McNeal, Mike Rakoz, Leland (Buffy) Rakoz, and Brian (Becky) Rakoz; his brother, Henry Rakoz; his sisters, Virginia Munger, Rosalie Hepler, and Rita (Jim) Rose. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life potluck will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 9th at the Winlock Community Building located at 607 NW Kerron St.
