Elwood Emery Rahn

Elwood Emery Rahn, age 76 of Randolph, died unexpectedly on Friday, September 3, 2010 at his home.

Joe was born on September 19, 1933 in Dalton, WI to Martin and Jeanette (Rohde) Rahn. Following his schooling, Joe was employed at Rockwell of Randolph for eight years. He was drafted in the US Army and served in Germany during the Korean War. On April 19, 158, Joe was united in marriage to Margaret Evers at the First Reformed Church in Randolph. Joe was employed with Beaver Specialties for thirty-two years. Following his retirement, he continued to work as a self-employed carpenter for fifteen years, and especially enjoyed working with wood. Joe enjoyed outdoor activities and was an active hunter, fisherman, and trapper, and was a member of the Dalton Rod and Gun Club. He loved watching sports of all kinds. He was especially fond of and excelled at baseball, and enjoyed playing in a league as a young man. Joe spent many hours gardening, mowing lawn, and spraying the orchard. He loved sharing the harvest and fruits of his labors with family and friends. Joe belonged to the Randolph VFW Post 9510. He was a longtime member of the First Reformed Church of Randolph.

Joe is survived by Margaret, his wife of fifty-two years; two sons, Rohan Forkner, Australia, Ronald Forkner, Florida; his granddaughter Amber Forkner; his grandson, Justin Forkner; one brother, Wayne Rahn, Ripon; one sister, Carol (Joe) Neis, Montello; two sisters-in-law, Millie Rahn, Beaver Dam; Fran (Harold) DeVries, Randolph; and a brother-in-law, John (Jane) Evers, Columbus; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Raymond and LaVerne Rahn; and a sister-in-law, Minnie Rahn.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at First Reformed Church, 406 S. High St., Randolph with Rev. Ben Bruins and Rev. Tim Ehrhardt officiating. Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery with military honors provided by the VFW Post 9510.

Joe’s family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Randolph Community Funeral Home, 208 South High Street, Randolph, and on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

A Memorial Fund has been established for the Gideons.