Carolyn M. Rakow

Carolyn M. Rakow, 77, of Bruce, Wisconsin, died on March 6, 2026, in Chetek following a stroke after a six-week illness. Born on April 8, 1948, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, to Robert and Idella Weiher, she was a lifelong resident of the Bruce area. In 1967 she married Lewis Woodmansee and joined him in Tokyo during his three years of Army service. Together they raised three sons, Mike, Jeff, and Ryan, before later divorcing. In 1998 she met Wayne Rakow, whom she called her soulmate. They married in Bruce on September 27, 1998, and shared 27 happy years together.

Carolyn cherished her three sons and proudly referred to herself as their “Mother Bear.” She spent many years as a cook for Head Start, where the children affectionately called her Mrs. Cook, and she was known for creating wonderful meals. She took great joy in her home, which she lovingly called her “Enchanted Cottage,” and eagerly anticipated each spring so she could fill the outside with flowers. Carolyn treasured her many friends in both Bruce and Ladysmith and found deep happiness in socializing with them.

She is survived by her husband Wayne, her sons Michael Woodmansee of Wausau, Jeffrey (Beth) Woodmansee of Ladysmith, and Ryan (Tracy) Woodmansee of Bruce, ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and her brother Dr. Richard (Marilynn) Weiher of Reno, Nevada. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Idella Weiher, her brother Freeman, and her three sisters Roberta, Lois, and Rita.