| Graduation Year | Class of 1952 |
| Date of Birth | Feb 13, 1933 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 03, 2024 |
| About | (no additional information) |
| Events | Gerald H. Rabbach, age 91, of Watertown, WI., passed away on Saturday August 3, 2024 surrounded by family. Gerald was born on February 13, 1933 to Carl and Evelyn (Zoellick) Rabbach in Watertown. On July 17, 1954, he married Barbara L. (Melius) Rabbach, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and had two children, Robyn Engel of Watertown and Gerald J. (Tammi) Rabbach of Janesville. After graduating from Watertown High School in 1952, he went on to study Industrial Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he also played baseball. After a short time teaching at Ripon College, Gerald started his working career at Watertown Metal Products in the purchasing department. He then took a sales role for American Archery out of Oconto Falls selling archery equipment across the U.S.. After over 8 years on the road, Gerald started a new 20-year career selling insurance as an independent seller, eventually evolving into the Insurance Service Center. One of Gerald’s big passions was the Watertown Lions Club. He was a member for over 50 years, having been involved in so many roles and fundraising events during his time. He also held the title of District Governor for state and national roles, promoting the mission of the Lions organization. After retiring from work, Gerald spent many years supporting the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, promoting the importance of eye and tissue donation and giving the gift of sight. Gerald’s other passion was Watertown baseball. Having played at Watertown High School and for the Watertown Cardinals, where he had the opportunity to play one game at the old Milwaukee County Stadium, and he continued to support baseball development by coaching Watertown little league teams, American Legion teams, and being involved with the success of the Watertown Cardinals. Gerald was an avid hunter and fisherman. One of his favorite places was Moose Lake, WI, and driving around the back country roads looking for deer and the new elk population. He was a big sports fan, supporting the Badgers and Brewers, and was a 40-year season ticket holder for the Packers. Gerald knew everyone. If he didn’t know you, he knew your parents, or your cousin, or your employer. Through his travels, meeting so many people, he was not afraid to introduce himself and start connecting the dots to people he knew. He was a modern day ancestery.com. He had a gift to talk and tell stories, and a need to find common acquaintances. He loved connecting to people and sharing experiences. He was an active member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and was involved with the cemetery board for over 20 years. Gerald is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Robyn Engel of Watertown, and son Gerald J (Tammi) Rabbach of Janesville, grandsons Tyler (Megan) Engel of Madison and Ryan Engel of Florence, sisters-in-law, Pat Cease of River Falls and Donna O’Brien of Hayward, and brother-in-law Forrest (Bonny) Melius Jr of Watertown., as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Carl and Evelyn Rabbach, his sister-in-law, Kathy Klingbeil, brother-in-law William O’Brien and brother-in-law John Cease. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown with Pastor Brent Halverson officiating. Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at the St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery in Watertown. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald’s name to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, 5003 Tradewinds Parkway, Madison, WI, 53718 would be appreciated. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. |
