One year has passed, a year of many tragic events that surpass our personal grief for our lost loved brother, Rainer. 

The pandemic, the war in Ukraine,  drastic climate change, economic
inflation, famine, shortage of water and countless more ...

Still, the wound of our personal loss has not healed, our memory hasn't faded, neither has our love for our brother.

Recently, I had the chance to spend some time with my children in a pure, unspoiled natural environment. I watched the stars, the sea, the growth of the land  and I felt Rainer all around us, as gentle, funny, helpful, and loving as ever. Rainer, I miss you and yet I know, I feel that you are here amongst us. If our memory of you is your driving force, you shall be with us forever.
I 

Hey Rainer old friend you left us too early.Thank you for being my friend and may God bless

HAPPY VETERANS DAY Senior Chief.,
K.Graham SCOP Ret.

I am saddened at just hearing of this but so very happy that I had the opportunity to have his assistance on many things when I was in a supervising position for the first time. He never failed to see how I was doing or ask me if I needed anything. We had nice personal talks as well. I shall miss you my friend. See you soon😊🙏🏻

Hi Sherry ,
Rainer is in my prays.I rode motorcycles also at General Electric.
He was very smart on computers and showed me . Sure  will be always remember !
                                               

I served with him in VFA-15.  May He Rest In Peace 

I am so very sorry for your loss. As a neighbor he brought a smile and a helping hand to all of us. 

Words cannot express how weird it feels for Uncle Rainer not to be among us any longer. He left his mark on the world and on his family in profound ways (especially with his sense of humor). He will never be forgotten. Much love to him, forever, and to Aunt Sherry.

Rainer Cantu, there's alot I can say about that name. To start, just how to spell it. I remember being a kid and Rainer told me just spell rain and than add er to the end. Rainer was a very speical person, and one of the best friends, grandfather's, and father I have had. Where my dad wasn't there, Rainer was. He taught me everything from riding a bike, grilling out,computers and electronics to basic values and morals! Rainer was always there for me no matter what it was. Most of my childhood was spent with him and sherry. More than half of the man I am today is because of what Rainer taught me. Rainer was always there for anyone... The family lost a huge part of us and im trying so hard to remind myself ill see him again! I was always so proud when he was proud of me or my accomplishments... I'll do everything in my soul to bring out the Rainer in me and let him carry on in this life! Rainer, ill miss our long talks, our many nights up until 4 am playing video games, I'll miss your advice and guidance, our motorcycle rides,most of all I  will miss hearing you call me your boy.

Hello this is brother Dieter, the youngest brother of the Cantu family, sorry about your loss, Sherry and family. He will be deeply miss, an educated person, knew everything about engines in the mechanical part of airplanes, loved motorcycles and there knowledge and breakdown of things, always kept his vehicle or pickup to the best condition  it could ever be, he was very neat and tidy about things. I remember when he got his first bike a Peugeot. I remember the first motorcycle, of course Dolores, Rainer and I graduated from Theodore  Roosevelt. Remember  tree forts we built, going to the stores as kids, riding our bikes, skinny dipping in Salado creek. Remember playing darts, shooting his BB gun and so many other things that brothers do. He was an honorable man retiring from the Navy and all his accomplishments.  Then his success in the Civil  Service world. He has so much to be bless for. Even if we where different, he will always be miss, in my heart, soul, mind  facts will always remain he is and always will be my brother that I love, God bless everyone, love, hope, peace, faith.

He was messing around and as soon as we shot the photo, he made a serious face. You can hear my husband laughing in the background. I was making them pose every time we passed something colorful. Good times in Pigeon Forge, TN. 

Rainer is my oldest younger brother, together with our newly founded family, Leonides and Else, we discovered America. Yes, we made that trip across theocean to USA and we dove into that adventure together. In time, the others, Dieter and Dolores came along and we were a gang. I was the ”older brother” by 12 years
and many times I had to get that skinny little brother out of trouble, behind the backs of our parents, to avoid double trouble. Rainer grew up, he grew big and strong, loving, attentive, caring, he was always funny and he was always forgiving.
He always had big heart. Eventually he outgrew me. Where I used to ”talk” to some bully who gave him a hard time in school, Rainer, two decades later, asked me to fetch him his toolbox that he used as an aircraft mechanic. I couldn’t pick it up, it was too heavy for me.
The burden of writing about him, in past tense, is also too heavy to carry. 
He is, not was. He is in our hearts, he is waving and winking at us, he is doing funny things.
He is showing me on a video how he cleans his motorcycle, a complete disassembly and assembly in an hour and a half, I gave up after 35 minutes. I’ll look at the rest on some rainy day.
Rainer will always continue to be with us, he must. He has a loving wife, a loving family, many friends, and that stray cat he showed me not long ago, loves him too.
I won’t bid him farewell, instead I’ll look for him, somewhere in another sphere, in another form, to see what he’s up to next.
Rainer, my bigger younger brother.

My brother, Rainer, was bigger than life. He never met a stranger. He always said he was an introvert, but those of us who knew him, knew differently. When he would call me, he would alway disguise his voice. But sisters know. He would carry our conversation in that same voice , and I would laugh all the way through it. He had such a passion for his family, friends and everything he ever touched. He looked at things differently than us mere mortals do. He treasured everything that he ever got. He saved things from when we were in high school and everything he owned looked as new as the day he received it.  I loved to hear all of his stories about all of you. He was a great storyteller. My greatest sense of pride is that Rainer knew and loved the Lord. So, now I find comfort in knowing who he is with. The peace that gives me is beyond words. I love you brother and I will until I breathe my last breath on earth and until we are united together again with our Heavenly Father. 

I met Rainer 38 years ago. We became friends instantly but within a very short time he claimed me as his “Brother” and I did the same.

As you know, Rainer cherished his relationships with acquaintances and friends but family ALWAYS came first, especially his loving wife Sherry.  I am exceedingly honored that he chose to make me a part of that.

Rainer was always the first one to congratulate me on my successes, to celebrate joyous occasions, encourage and console me when things were difficult, strengthen me during trying times, nurture and assist during health challenges.

Rainer always uplifted others with his ready humor, heartfelt words and creative actions.  He did all of that no matter what challenges he had in his own life.  Rainer was never boastful and always humble.  He might even be a little uncomfortable about the acclamation he so deserves.  He was a skilled expert and bit of perfectionist in all that he did whether it was work or recreation but his true life work was enriching and affirming the lives of all he knew.

I will miss him dearly but he will be with me always.  I will try to live up to his lofty (but undeserved) image of me.  I will rejoice when we reunite with that familiar embrace. I love you “Brother” !


Rainer was one of the most remarkable people I've met ever in my life and it was always a joy working with him at Fleet Readiness Center Southeast.  His passion for his work, whatever it be at the moment, was always full on 100 percent.  And he always, and I do mean always, was fully engaged.  Above and beyond.   If i came to him with any question towards a peice of equipment or a process he did not hesitate at all and said time and time again 'let's go look at it'.  Every single time.  And he fixed the paper work and he fixed the issue and solved the puzzle others did not.  Rainer was our go to guy to get things right and he is and will be deeply missed.  Already and forever.  Rainer was full of passion for life and all it beheld.   And I and we at Fleet Readiness Center South East  Plant Services will always remember you.   You touched my soul brother.  Until we meet again. 

Rainer was a great neighbor and an all around good guy.
 He was always there when I needed him and I never had to ask for his help.  Whenever I was outside attempting  yard work he would see me out there struggling to lift heavy sod bags,, etc and  would come over to loan his assistance.  I'm going to surely miss the little conversations, words of wisdom  and advice.  To the Cantu family,  I'm so sorry for the lost of your loved one.   My thoughts and prayers are with you.

What a great person God placed on this earth.  I did not know him long, but what an impression he made.  Every time I seeked answers or asked for advice he made me feel important and shared his vast wealth of knowledge.  I know his  family and friends are very sad but happy to have had a person like that in their life’s.   No words can express how I feel.  He will be missed.   Rainer was one of a kind.   

To my family back home, I wish I was able to be with you in this time. 
To Rainer, I wish you were able to visit me one time in Australia to see how far I have come in life, just as you once did yourself. I know you would have loved to see it all. I will miss all the long talks that we would have and I will always remember you teaching me many things. I will use everything you taught me and I wish you could have taught me even more. You were the kindest soul and you will be missed. I love and miss you so much.

- Jessica, your granddaughter in Australia :) <3

To my Dear Sister in Law Sherry  and to the Whole Family, 
I met Rainer on Kent and my Wedding Day, Christmas Eve, He was in his uniform and Sherry in a cute matching outfit.  He was quiet that first day of meeting him, but from that day on, Let the Fun Begin.... He was full of Joy, Knowledge, Would do Anything for you, Up for Anything at a drop of a hat. A Prankster, full of fun, but he was also very supportive, compassionate, the late nights that Rainer, Michael, J-Rod and Kent would be playing "call of duty" I just can't say enough about what a Great Person He Was. It makes my Heart Very Happy that He Had Read through the Living Word of God, which I Believe that He is in the Arms of Our Awesome/Amazing Lord. That brings much Peace. 
Rainer, You Will Be Missed. 
With Much Love and Prayers, Sandra 

I'd like to extend my most sincere condolences to Rainer's Family. I found out about his passing via the VP-5 Alumni FB page although I was unaware that we shared that link in our past. I'm still trying to process that he has moved on so suddenly.  Rainer was a bright spirit in this world and always a pleasure to talk to at our FRCSE workplace.  Rainer guided me through the complexities of MAXIMO whenever I reached out to him for guidance and always did so with a smile, good humor, wisdom, and patience. He had a way about him that would somehow leave me feeling energized, smiling, and ready to tackle the rest of the day following our conversations. RIP my friend and shipmate. 

Rainer was proud of his service to the Navy, diligent and helpful to his teammates at FRCSE,  respectful and humble of his Texas heritage.  If he said he would do it , it was done to his best.

To his family:  we've lost a good man too soon. Deepest condolences    for your loss. 

To the Rainer family. Rainer and I were colleagues in the PDM shop at FRCSE. Rainer was a smart and resourceful friend and co-worker who will be missed. His humor and wit helped to make our time there fun and pleasant. My sincere condolences for your loss.

John and Sheri Gauthier.

Rainer,
My good friend and  co-worker. I'll miss you. Miss the times In used to drop by your cubicle to share with you the latest jokes, some good, some bad.
You nicknamed me "Capt. Crunch". Don't know why, guess I'll never find out. Anyways, I know we will get back  together one of these days. You have just slipped away into the next room, somewhere very near just around the corner. All is well, nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before........but better!!

OBITUARY

Rainer Cantu

January 7, 1961 – August 10, 2021

Hardage - Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home & Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Memorial Park

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