Raymond Ross Rabe

Raymond Ross Rabe, 85, of Statesville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Brookdale Peachtree Assisted Living.

Ray was born on May 24, 1941, in Cass County, Iowa, and was the son of the late Ross Fred Rabe and Cora Elizabeth Towne Rabe. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He later pursued his education at the American Institute of Business and the University of Iowa, earning a Master of Science degree in Health Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology and Archaeology. He was a member of Phi Theta Pi fraternity and held numerous state-level positions in the healthcare field in both North Carolina and Colorado.

Ray was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he faithfully served as a choir member, usher, and member of the Constitution Committee.

Music was an important part of Ray’s life. He was a member of the Harmony for Fun Barbershop Quartet and an accomplished professional rock and roll drummer. In recognition of his musical talent and contributions, he was inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, an honor that reflected his lifelong passion for music.

Ray worked as the Director of Public Health for the Iredell County Health Department for many years. After retirement, he enjoyed playing many rounds of golf at Fox Den Country Club, which is now known as Larkin Golf Club.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Rabe; sister, Karen Jeanne Phillips; daughter-in-law, Leslie Rabe, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Sandra Sue Oestreich Rabe; son, Christopher T. Rabe; daughter, Cara L. Rabe-Schrup (Darin); grandsons, Evan and Isaac; granddaughters, Maygen and Rae; and great-grandchildren, Owen and Oakleigh.

The family will visit with friends and family on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm in the Katherine Von Bora classroom at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 3:00 PM in the church sanctuary with the Rev. Dale Stanley officiating. Military Honors will follow and burial will take place later in Griswold, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 740 North Center Street, Statesville NC 28677, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Rabe family.