George Gerald Rakela

Rakela, George G. George passed away April 30, 2013. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret Vernatchi Rakela. Loving and generous father to three generations, he is survived by sons Craig and Mark, grandsons Adam and Michael, daughters-in-law Charlotte and Debbie, great-grand-daughters Lexi and Bailey, their mother Krisy, and many relatives and friends. He lived his last nine years at Pioneer House, and came to view its administrators and care givers as part of his extended family. They preserved his dignity and enriched his life, even as his health declined. A life-long Sacramentan, George was associated with the food industry all of his working years. He owned and operated a neighborhood market at 2nd Ave. & 21st St. beginning in the early 1940s. In the late 1950s, he and his brother-in-law opened Jurak's restaurant and bar on Alhambra Boulevard. George rounded out his career with over two decades of work as a department and store manager for Raley's, retiring in 1985. In retirement he served as treasurer of the Over the Hill Gang. Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be offered for the repose of his soul at Holy Spirit Church, 3159 Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95818 on Tuesday May 7, at 10:00 A.M. Entombment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of George may be made to "Pioneer House - 6th floor mobile cart fund", 415 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.