Kenneth H. Rabe

Kenneth H. Rabe passed away on January 3, 2026, in his home of 14 years in Arbor Vitae.

Ken was born on June 19, 1950, in Elgin, Ill., to Raymond and Fern (U’Ren) Rabe. He graduated from Elgin High School where he met his wife of 55 years, Kathy (Diekman). He later received an associate’s degree from Elgin Community College after serving 2 years in Vietnam with the Army Corp.

Ken started his career working at Chuck Hines clothing stores in Elgin, Dundee and Barrington, Ill. and then went on to own the Candy Cane Restaurant and Catering business. Ken enjoyed serving people home cooked meals and treated everyone like family. He finished his career at Columbia Pipe before retiring to northern Wisconsin.

Ken enjoyed spending time with friends at Bill’s Tap, the Owl’s Club, and the American Legion where they would “stop for 1” after a hard day at work or a round of golf. Ken was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his Chicago teams, Cubs, White Sox (to annoy his family), Blackhawks and was luckily raised right to be a Packer fan and not a Bears fan.

Ken loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He adored his wife and always enjoyed visits with his kids and grandkids.

Ken is survived by his wife, Kathy Rabe of Arbor Vitae; children Tim Rabe of Philadelphia, and Jen (Matt) Gadiss of Minneapolis; grandchildren: Oliver, Dashel, Beatrice, Rae, Isa, and Rhys.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) at www.feedourruralkids.org or to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.