John William
Raker
John W. Raker departed this life unexpectedly on August 9, 2026 at the age of 69 in Milwaukee, WI.
A native of Louisville, Ky and a 1979 graduate in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, John moved to Waukesha, WI that same year to start his career at GE Medical Systems. He was one of the many talented team members who helped to design and build the first generations of MRI and CT scanners.
Soon after he met his best friend and future wife, Patty, of Milwaukee. They married in 1983 and had 3 children. In 1999 his career took the family on the road, moving them to several different states over the next 2+ decades. Throughout his career John continued to support advancements and studies within the pharmaceutical and medical fields. After a long and accomplished career, he retired in March of this year.
John was an engineer, not only by profession, but by nature. He was always curious, always tinkering, a guy who wanted to know how things worked. He had a strong work ethic, loved his John Deere tractor, shooting off fireworks, and settling in for a good sci-fi film like The Forbidden Planet, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Interstellar or yet another episode of Star Trek or Stargate SG-1. He had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. Always offering a helping hand to family, friends and co-workers. He was a tech guy through and through, always ready and willing to troubleshoot any of our misbehaving computers.
More than anything John was someone his family could count on. He was a devoted husband and an amazing father. His daughters were his pride and joy and their happiness meant more to him than he could ever fully express. His family will always remember his encouragement, his humor, his curiosity and his unwavering support. We will forever treasure all the memories we have of him.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Patty: his daughters Amy Raker, Molly (Tyler Clements) Raker; Hailee (Steven Willis) Raker. Brother to Linda (Walter) Rogers, Cindy (Mark) Pennington, Lee (Heather) Raker, brother-in-law to Debbie (Joe) Zacher, Jim (Sue) Hills and Don Hills. Nieces Kristin, Ellen, Lily, Sarah, Tracy, Lucy, Anne and Riley; nephews Bobby and Joey.
Preceded in death by his parents John R. and Anne B. Raker.
A Celebration of Life memorial will be held on Saturday, October 10th from 1-4pm. Please contact Amy Raker at [email protected] for additional information.
Memorials to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice is appreciated by the family.
Truly John was a blessing to his family, friends and this world. My best memory of John is when he and his brother-in-law Joe, built a huge fort, swing set and walking bridge in my back yard as I began my child care career in my home. They worked hard but they were funny too joking about being “tooltime” guys. I was so grateful for the care they took in building that for me. I also remember John being so devoted as a dad of three babies and Hailee was suffering from a severe rash. He held her the entire afternoon at a birthday party for his niece never anything but 100% tenderly caring for her and content to be her Dad and comforter. I wish I had more memories but I am so blessed to have these. May Patty and John’s entire family be comforted by their memories and reflect that he was a great man and human being. Love to you all.
John was a deeply good man and just a lovely human being. I enjoyed the privilege of knowing him and I cherish these memories. He was simply overjoyed being married to my dear cousin Patty; being a patient, wise and fun daddy to his girls; and and devoting his skills and talents to leaving this world better than he found it throughout his career in medical imaging innovation and support. I will miss his smile, his humor and his authenticity. Thanks be to God for his life and the legacy he leaves to his family, friends and loved ones.
I’m sorry for the family’s loss of John. I have never met John personally however, I have learned a lot about him through his sister-in-law Debbie. Debbie always shared wonderful stories of spending time together with her sister and John, Florida and then South Carolina. Please accept my deepest condolences. Magdalen