Warren John Rahn

Warren John Rahn, 89, of Oshkosh, died in Oshkosh on Monday, January 2, 2012. Born June 28, 1922, and known to the world as Joe, he lived his life on his own terms. Joes childhood, elementary and high school education was spent in Milwaukee, growing up during the Depression, and graduating from Rufus King High School in 1940. An Air Force veteran (1943-1946) of WW11 (the big one), he returned from the war and attended Milwaukee State Teachers College, where he met and married the love of his life, Audrey June Ruddock on August 27th, 1949. He further acquired his MA in Educational Administration from Northwestern University in 1953.Joe and Audrey moved to Oshkosh in 1949, where he began a long career with the Oshkosh Public Schools, first as a truant officer, then as a principal and teacher. A wonderful father of 2 daughters, Debbie and Dana, Joe was also a long-time sports fanatic including being a member of the Oshkosh Stars, a semi-pro basketball team. He was also a veteran referee for more than 25 years for high school to college-level football and basketball. In later years, he was an avid fan of anything to do with balls.He and Audrey spent more than 15 years traveling far and wide after their retirement in 1984. During this time he spent many happy hours in the basement woodworking, playing countless rounds of golf, fishing any chance he got, and playing old guy volleyball at the Rec gym. He also volunteered at the Senior Center and for Meals on Wheels for many years.Joe is a life-long member of St. Johns Ev. Lutheran Church, Oshkosh where he served in many different capacities.He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, daughters Debbie (Louie) Laffin, Dana Muza and 4 grandchildren: Jamie and Ted Buehner and Patrick and Sam Muza. Joe is survived by his sister Charlotte and sister-in-law Naomi. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Anna, his brothers Al and Gilbert, and his sister, Shirley.Joe was a wonderful, caring man who faced his death with bravery and dignity. His family and friends will miss his quick wit, his unflagging spirit, and, most of all, his love.A celebration of Joes life will be held on Sat. Jan. 7, 2012 at St. Johns Ev. Lutheran Church (808 N. Main St.), beginning at 2 p.m. with a Memorial Service, followed immediately by a social gathering/light lunch at the church. The family has established a memorial to the Oshkosh Public Library in lieu of flowers.A sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of the kind folks at Creekview North, Evergreen, for their patient and loving care of Joe.

St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church



808 N Main Street
Oshkosh
WI
54901

Saturday, January 07, 2012
following the service



St John's Evangelical Lutheran Church



808 N Main Street
Oshkosh
WI
54901

Saturday, January 07, 2012
2:00 PM