Charles L. “OPA” Raikes, 92, of Marseilles, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in Mendota.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Military honors will be accorded following services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery in Seneca at a later date.
Charlie was born in Seneca to Fred L. and Della (LeRette) Raikes. He married Irene Rehm in Heidenheim, Germany, who preceded him in death in 2015. They came to the States in 1955. Charles and Irene started a family in Seneca and then moved to Marseilles in 1966.
He served in the U.S. Army with the paratroopers during the Korean War. He was a member of Laborers Local 393 for 65 years and a past Business Manager. Charlie was active in the Democratic Party and served as a precinct committeeman for many years. His famous line was “Do you want something to eat?”
He is survived by two sons, David (Janet) and Rocky (Tammy); his grandchildren, Olivia, Tracy, Mike, Bobby, Jason, Stacy, Christie, Brandon, and Anna Raikes; his great-grandchildren, Krisee, Koby, Landon, Avrie, Josilyn, Lily, Bryce, Angel, Jacob, Kain, Hannah, Evelyn, Corvin, Beau, Cash, Colson, Paisley, and Ella; one sister, Donna Wachowiak; a son-in-law, Gary Nelson; and a daughter-in-law, Sue Raikes.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; two daughters, Susan Nelson and Irene “NeNe” Ozment; one son, Chas; one infant son, Walter; one grandson, Walter “Gator” Demko; three sisters, Edna Vicich, Katherine Mitchell, and Marie Rafferty; and five brothers, Joseph, James, Marvin, Fred, and David Raikes.
Memorials may be directed to the family or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Seals-Campbell Funeral Home
1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341 815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com