Gary Baker Rafn

Gary B. Rafn RACINE-Gary Baker Rafn, 81, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 16, 2013. Gary was born on July 17, 1932 to the late Raymond and Marie (nee: Baker) Rafn and was a lifelong resident of Racine. On June 25, 1955 he married his “one and only love”, Marian Albright at Racine Bible Church, where he and Marian have attended regularly for over 60 years. Gary graduated from Washington Park High School in 1950. He went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1955, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in accounting and subsequently became a Certified Public Accountant. He later completed the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Gary started his business career as an accountant in 1953, with First Wisconsin Corporation, Wisconsin’s largest bank (now U.S. Bank). He held many official titles over his 35 years, retiring as President and Vice Chairman of the Board in 1988. He enjoyed 25 years of retirement, traveling extensively, wintering in Hawaii and Florida, and summering for 53 years at his beloved Green Lake home. Gary served in the United States Army at the Finance Center, at Fort Benjamin Harrison from 1956 until 1958. He was also a 45 year member of Meadowbrook Country Club where he enjoyed golfing. Gary also served on the Board of Directors of Wehr Corporation in Milwaukee for many years, and chaired several Board of Director Committees for the Bank Administration Institute in Park Ridge, Illinois. Gary is survived by his dear wife Marian of 58 years; daughter, Karen (Robert) Skoczek of Pewaukee; sons, Wesley (Lisa) Rafn of Milwaukee, and Brian (Sharon) Rafn of Colgate; four wonderful grandsons, Cody, Noah, Ty and Casey. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Ramona Paquette and an infant brother, Raymond. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Racine Bible Church, 12505 Spring Street, Racine. Friends may meet with the family on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. Gary will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at West Lawn Memorial Park. Those wishing to remember Gary in a special way may direct memorials to The American Cancer Society or Racine Bible Church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mullane, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Campbell and their caring and professional staff. Online condolences may be sent to www.sturinofuneralhome.com

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Gary Baker Rafn

July 17, 1932 - August 16, 2013