John Rael Jr.

In loving memory of John Rael Jr., devoted brother, loving husband, cherished father, and adored grandfather. John leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and treasured memories. Born on August 31, 1938, in Mesita, CO to John Sr. and Bertha Rael, John enjoyed gardening, classic automobiles, traveling, collecting memorabilia, and was an avid CO sports fan. John’s love for his family was rivaled only by his love for socializing. There was no one he met who remained a stranger for long. John passed peacefully and unexpectedly, enjoying a beautiful Spring Day in his yard, on May 10, 2026, at the age of 87.

The seventh of ten children, John grew up on his family’s potato farm in Southern CO, where his love of gardening began. In 1961, John enlisted in the US Army and proudly served in Germany during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge in 1964. When he returned to the US, John had a short stint with the CO State Patrol before embarking on his protracted career at Woodward Governor. In 1968, he met the love of his life, Shirley, and enjoyed fifty-three wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2023.

After twenty-nine years at Woodward, John was lucky to retire comfortably at age 55 and began to enjoy what would be the greatest years of his life. He spent his long retirement beside his beloved wife, caring for their nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He could always be found on the sideline of a soccer game, in the audience of a dance recital, or in the school pick-up line. John was a proud member of the Northern Colorado JB Bottle and Collectibles Club, through which he made friends around the world. On behalf of the club, John, alongside Shirley and their dear friends, spent the early years of his retirement traveling across the United States.

John was humble, kind, and extremely giving. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his friendly demeanor, and his dedication to excellence in all things. John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley, daughter Laura Ann, grandson Dylan, brother Raymond, and sisters Anna Marie and Cordelia. He is survived by his children, Gene, Debbie, Mary, and Christina, eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, brothers Charlie, Nicholas, Bob, and Larry, and sisters Del and Lucy.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 10am Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Plymouth Congregational Church, where friends and family will gather to share stories and laughter in honor of an extraordinary man. Those who wish to visit John and say their goodbyes may do so starting at 9am.