Anne M. Rakos
Anne M. Rakos
Anne M. Rakos, age 61 of Baraboo passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2015. Anne, daughter of Anthony and Dorothy (Clemens) Rakos was born Aug. 3, 1953 in Illinois. She attended and later graduated from Immaculate Conception School in Elmhurst, Ill. Following graduation she moved to Colorado to attend college and received her Bachelor's Degree while there. Anne loved the mountains and spent 9 years of her life in Colorado before returning to Wisconsin and receiving her Master's Degree in Social Work. Anne considered the Baraboo/Merrimac area her home and worked for many years in the social work field throughout Sauk County; always with children as her emphasis. She was able to turn a dream into reality when she founded the Kids' Ranch in Rock Springs in 1998. She helped build and directed a program that connected youth and community members which focused on building children's self-esteem and self-respect at an early age. Through her work at the Kids' Ranch she touched many lives of children and their families; her giving nature was not only shown at the Kids' Ranch but also when she co-founded the Sauk County Giving Tree which help children and their families during the holiday season. In her free time, Anne enjoyed skiing and hiking while living in Colorado, water skiing and boating while living along the Wisconsin River for close to 30 years. She also was a world traveler, leading trips to the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii and Africa. Anne had a wonderful, giving spirit and enjoyed time with family and friends, good food, laughter and sharing memories.She is survived by her sisters, Cathy Knapp of Madison, Mary Jo Rakos of Milwaukee; brother, Michael (Sharon) Rakos of Plainfield, Ill.; nieces, Jenna, Ariel, Damara, Mikayla, Madyson; nephew, Matthew; as well as other relatives and many friends.Anne was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, David Rakos.A Memorial Service for Anne will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. at the Kids' Ranch S4800 County Road D, Rock Springs with Pastor Steve Jerbi of Milwaukee officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, all donations may be made to the Kids' Ranch in Anne's name. Highway 136 near Baraboo will be closed for construction on Wednesday, please use Terrytown Road to Cornfield Road to Highway 136 as a detour or Highway W to Highway PF into North Freedom. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.