Cecil Rahe, 98, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, in Madeira, Ohio. He was born on August 2, 1927, in Aurora, Indiana, to the late Louis H. Rahe and Ida (Seth) Rahe. Cecil graduated from Aurora High School in 1945. He then served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Japan from 1946-48 during the Reconstruction, and often recounted his experiences there. Cecil married his beloved Emily in 1951, and both worked while pursuing college educations, with Cecil earning his Bachelor’s degree at Indiana University on the GI Bill. He later earned an MBA at Xavier University in Cincinnati, and over the years enjoyed a successful career as an Industrial Engineer and Financial Manager. Cecil worked for 17 years at Fernald, a Department of Energy facility in Ross, Ohio, then subsequently held positions at Senco Products and Ethicon Surgical Technologies (Johnson & Johnson MedTech). Instilled with a strong work ethic, following a brief retirement, Cecil worked part-time for fifteen years at the Internal Revenue Service.
Cecil was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Greenhills, Ohio. He also served faithfully at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church as an Elder and Trustee, and dedicated 20 years as Treasurer of the Federation of Lutheran Churches. He remained active in his later years through his involvement with the Federation, the IU Alumni local chapter, as a poll worker on election days, and with the Hyde Park and MariElders Senior Centers.
Cecil is survived by his son, Eric (Shelley) Rahe of Chester Springs, PA; daughter, Leanne Montgomery, of Cincinnati, Ohio; sister, Flo Dunnette of Rising Sun, IN; grandchildren, Alexandra (Roddy) Lindsay, Grace (Samuel Gerweck) Montgomery, and Daniel (Allison Rodman) Montgomery; step-grandchildren, Connor and Ethan Herring; great-grandchildren, Marietta, Blaise, Lyle, Frederick and Hannah; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Ida; his wife of 66 years, Emily Dau Rahe; his son-in-law, Christian Montgomery; his brother, Donald Rahe and sister-in-law, Ruth Rahe; and two brothers-in-law, William Fehling and John Dunnette. Of his many qualities, Cecil will be remembered for his kindness and extension of friendship to so many, regardless of their origin, status or means.
Memorial donations suggested to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio or Lutheran World Relief or the charity of your choice.
For more information or to leave condolences, please visit: www.rullmans.com
Celebration of life service at Messiah Lutheran Church, 10416 Bossi Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45218. Saturday, September 20 at 11:30 AM followed by a luncheon at the church; all welcome.