Norman Joseph Rahe

Norman Joseph Rahe

March 15, 1921 - April 11, 2023

Norman Joseph Rahe

March 15, 1921 - April 11, 2023

Obituary

Norman Joseph Rahe
March 15, 1921 – April 11, 2023

Norman Joseph Rahe, beloved husband and father, passed away at the age of 102 on April 11th following a brief illness. He is survived by his five children, Terri Harrell, Mike Rahe, Robin Huston, Nancy Merkle and Nick Rahe, fourteen grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

Born in Dyersville, Iowa, Norm was the sixth of eight children of Henry and Kathryn Rahe. Growing up in a large family, reunions were held annually and were well attended by multiple generations. Through these reunions he learned to value the importance of family, always keeping close communication with many nieces and nephews across the country. The last member of his generation, Norm emphasized the importance of family through his words and deeds.

In 1942, at the age of 21, Norm enlisted with the Army Air Corps and was deployed in WWII as a pilot flying supply shipments for the European theater. He flew the B-25 Mitchell and C-47 Skytrain for over 60 missions throughout his tour, some of which included flying supplies to General Patton.

After returning stateside, he completed college and obtained his degree in Accounting and Finance from Coe College.  He traveled to Anchorage, Alaska to begin his career, returning to Cedar Rapids to work for Collins Radio Company across several states throughout his career and lastly Kennedy Company in California.

He married his hometown sweetheart Esther Rahe in Anchorage, Alaska, and they were happily married for 65 years until she passed away in 2011. Norm and Esther travelled the US as part of a motorcoach club, with their permanent residences in Orange County, California.

An avid swimmer, he swam 2 miles a day until approximately age 85, and he drove independently until age 96. Additionally, Norm could also be found fishing, boating, hunting, and golfing. His passion for boating and fishing was often shared with his children and grandchildren. At the end of a great day on the water he could often be found sharing stories and smoking a cigar with anyone who wanted to join him.  These stories will be cherished by his family for years to come.

Norm was a devout member of the Catholic Church and attended mass regularly at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach and later Saint Timothy’s Catholic Church in Laguna Niguel. His compassion, generosity, and kindness were unmatched, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

To honor Norm Rahe, a Rosary is being held at O’Connor Mortuary, Laguna Hills on Thursday, May 4th at 7pm.  The funeral service will be held at Saint Timothy’s Catholic Church in Laguna Niguel on May 5th at 10am. The burial will follow the funeral at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego starting at 1:15pm. There will be a reception following the burial in Orange County (details to follow).  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on his behalf to your favorite charity.

Rosary

  • Date & Time: May 4, 2023 (7:00 PM)
  • Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
  • Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 581-4300

Funeral Mass

  • Date & Time: May 5, 2023 (10:00 AM)
  • Venue: St. Timothy Catholic Church
  • Location: 29102 Crown Valley Parkway Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 249-4091

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: May 5, 2023 (1:15 PM)
  • Venue: Miramar National Cemetery
  • Location: 5795 Nobel Drive San Diego, CA 92122 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (858) 658-7360

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1 responses to Norman Joseph Rahe

  1. William Joseph Thornton says:

    We are so sorry to hear about Bill’s Uncle Norm’s death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

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