Duane D. "Palsy" Rakestraw

Duane D. “Palsy” Rakestraw, 81, of Mineral, IL, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016 at his home, surrounded by his family.  A Funeral Service celebrating his life will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, May 4th at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory, Atkinson.  Rev. Terry Lancaster will officiate.  Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Kewanee, where Military Honors will be accorded by the Mineral American Legion.  Visitation will be from 3-7 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Annawan/ Alba Fire Department or the Quad Cities Honor Flight.

Duane was born on January 2, 1935 in Mineral, IL, the son of Darell and Hazel (Gradert) Rakestraw.  He graduated from Mineral High School in 1952 and was later inducted into the Bureau County Sports Hall of Fame.  He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Shirley Sierens on September 25, 1954 in Kewanee, IL.  He proudly served in the US Marine Corp from 1954-1957 and was stationed in 29 Palms, CA.  Palsy had been an Illinois State Trooper for 30 years, retiring in 1985.  He also farmed his entire life on the Rakestraw Centennial Family Farm in Rural Mineral for many years. 

Palsy belonged to the Mineral Bolders Club, Annawan Boosters Club, Mineral Boosters Club, Fraternal Order of Police, and several golf leagues at Hidden Lake Country Club.  He lived in Mineral his entire life and was a huge supporter of the schools.  He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in various school sports and activities.  He enjoyed golfing, rolle bolle, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  Palsy had won the Illinois State Rolle Bolle title.  He enjoyed his daily breakfast with friend, Ron Childs, at the Purple Onion.  He always needed to be the first one at the restaurant.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children: Deb Rakestraw of Naperville, IL, Duane (Linda) Rakestraw of Geneseo, IL, Denise Howell of Geneseo, IL, Dave (Kathy) Rakestraw of Annawan, IL, Darrell (Regina) Rakestraw of Mineral, IL; grandchildren: Ryan Howell, Mandy (Brandon) Heller, Kerry (Shea) Jones, Ty (Melissa) Rakestraw, Dylan Rakestraw, Kelsey Rakestraw, Heath Rakestraw, Logan Rakestraw, Elizabeth Rakestraw; step-grandchildren: Raquel Frankenreider, Shannon Frankenreider; great grandchildren; Maddison Rakestraw, Kennedy Rakestraw, Knox Rakestraw; step-great grandchildren: Peyton Frankenreider, Baylor Frankenreider, Charlie Frankenreider; and sister: Joyce Geiger of Geneseo, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Daniel; a granddaughter, Jamey Howell; son-in-law James Howell; and in-laws, Alphonse & Helen Sierens.

Share a message of sympathy with Palsy’s family by clicking on the Guest Book / Condolences tab on the left. 

 Service Information