Our beloved Dad, Grandfather, Uncle, and Brother, Warren T McRae, passed away at 93, peacefully, on Saturday, June 11th after an illness. Warren was born 3/4/1929 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the son of Bruce and Stella (Wilkinson) McRae and was the third youngest of eight children. Predeceasing him are his parents and siblings, Richard Gahr, Donald Gahr, Betty Simons, Janice Pekel, Duncan McRae, and Neil McRae.
Warren was a devoted father to three children, the late Valerie Harries (Bruce). Survivors include his daughter, Marjorie “Margie” McRae (her partner, Felicia Morris) and son, Bryan McRae (Ann) and his sister, Judith Norton. Grandchildren include David Harries, Elizabeth (Beth) Harries, and Brent Harries; Justin McRae and Katie (McRae) Shell. He also had five great grandchildren.
Warren served in the US Army where he was stationed in Alaska and when retired he volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Mercy Hospital Cancer Center Garden, and the funeral committee at church.
He worked for forty-two years at Lakeside Plastics, yet his real passion was the outdoors both walking and gardening; he had a special love for growing roses and enjoyed seeing blossoming red, blue, pink, yellow, orange flowers brimming in his garden.
In addition to his love of gardening, Warren was a voracious reader and hungry to learn, he loved documentaries, National Geographic magazine, and encouraged others to keep learning.
Proud Dad and Grandfather, he tracked the countries his children visited with a framed map on the wall, each with a different colored pin. Bryan served as a Marine right after high school and had the most colored pins on the map.
He enjoyed travel to visit his children who lived in North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia and enjoyed adventures such as an Alaskan cruise, a visit to his nephew Michael McRae and his late partner Michael Taylor’s home in Sonoma County, Ca; trips to North Carolina, Boston, South Florida, Texas and many trips to Atlanta.
His heart and love included his love for all his nieces and nephews. A very special thank you to Patti Joy and Jim Strasser who were there for him and his brother for many years. A thank you to Alyce Mongan who helped him in the last two years of his life.
Deep appreciation to the staff and caregivers of Bethel Home as well as Compassus Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, September 24th at Lakeview Chapel, visitation is at 10 am, Celebration of Life is at 11am which will be officiated by Warren McRae's son, Bryan McRae, eulogy delivered by his daughter, Marjorie McRae, Graveside Blessing is at noon.
Warren T McRae was a good man who will be missed by many.