Frederick C. Rakunas

Frederick C. Rakunas (Captain Freddy) of Eastport, MI, passed away on Monday, December, 18, 2023 at Munson Medical Center.

  Fred was born to Bernice and Charles Rakunas on April 22, 1936 at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago, IL and attended Nativity BVM grade school and Saint Rita’s High School in Chicago.

   His family moved to Phoenix, AZ, and Fred continued his high school and graduated from Phoenix Tech High School.  Fred knew he wanted to fly so he began flight instruction at Sky Harbor in Phoenix.  He joined the Army in 1953 and after his discharge he relocated back to Chicago where his parents had returned to.

   In 1959 he was hired by North Central Airlines where he was employed until his retirement at age 60 in 1996.  The airline became Republic, Northwest, then Delta.  Fred flew the DC3, Convair 440 & 580, 727 and 747 in the Asia and Desert Storm and flew the DC10 to the European.  In private aviation, Fred was a flight instructor in single engine, twin engine, helicopters and seaplanes.  He also had the experience to fly the F16 aircraft.

   Fred was nominated by Andrea Fisher Newman, V.P. for Northwest Airlines to the then Governor John Engler who appointed him to Michigan Aeronautics Commission where he served on the commission, then as vice chair and chairman (the commission governs all things aeronautical in the state including as well as allotting monies for airport improvements and building including Detroit Metro revamp. He said it was the largest amount of monies he ever signed a check for).

   Fred is survived by his wife Gwen, of over 62 years, son Jeff (Rachel) Rakunas, of Cypress, Texas, brother Casimir Rakunas, of Lisle, IL, brother Larry (Mary) Rakunas of St. Charles, IL, brother-in-law Ernie Rubas of Oak Lawn, IL, former daughter-in-law Colleen Rakunas of Traverse City, grandchildren Drew Taylor of Algonac, MI, Ian Rakunas of Traverse City, MI, Owen and Peyton Rakunas of Cypress, Texas, and several nieces and nephews. 

   Preceding Fred in death was his son Steve Rakunas of Grawn, parents Bernice and Charles Rakunas of Woodridge, IL, in-laws Estelle and Ernest Rubas of Burbank, IL.

   Cremation has taken place with Fred’s remains being buried next to his son at Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Township.  No services are planned at this time and a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring as well as a Remembrance Mass.

    Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.