Father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Gene Frederick Rak found his eternal peace Thursday, January 10, 2019, at his home, following a brief, yet valiant battle with cancer. He was 82 and lived four lifetimes, packing in thousands of experiences and creating memories and stories all who knew him will remember forever. Family and travel were two passions he combined to track his European roots to Slovenia. He also loved music, laughter, cards, golf and Cubs baseball. Gene earned an electrical engineering degree from Lawrence Tech. After a successful career at Exxon, specializing in the corrosion field, he ran his own consulting business. His personal and professional activities included service in the U.S. Navy Reserves, 1955-1963; and NACE International (National Association of Corrosion Engineers), serving in multiple leadership roles for both the global organization and local chapter. Through the years, he was a member of the Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus, an amateur actor, square dance caller for the Tiger Twirlers and little league coach. He authored many professional articles, was a songwriter and poet. Gene was always an active church and choir member. A longtime resident of Baton Rouge, La., he was born September 21, 1936, in Pekin, Ill., to the late William Rak and Virgie Brees Rak. He is survived by his wife, Maxine Oltmann Rak; children, Susan Rak-Blanchard (Robert), David Rak (Winnette), Kathy Oltmann Paulson (Kevin), David Oltmann (Joye) and Danny Oltmann (Gina); grandchildren, Emily Blanchard Pop (Joe), Mark Blanchard (Cassandra), Levi Rak, Jonah Rak, John Rainbolt, Christopher Rainbolt, Mathew Paulson, Jennifer Noto, Sarah Oltmann, Chloe Almendarez and Ava Almendarez; four great-grandchildren, Emery, Gavin and Camden Blanchard, and Hunter Braham; former wife, Caroline Myers; and many beloved family members in Slovenia. A special thanks to Audubon Hospice and his caregivers who made him comfortable the last few weeks of his life here on earth. Visitation with the family will be held at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 17510 Monitor Ave., Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday, January 19, 2019, from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Gene’s name to St. Andrews United Methodist Church or your favorite charity.
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