Joseph Rager II

Joseph "Joe" Jack" Rager passed away suddenly at his home in Mount Airy on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.  He was the son of the late Betty Bartgis Rager and James Rager. Born May 28, 1949, he attended Frederick High School, Class of 1967.  Joe and his wife, Helen Bowers Rager were married for 44 years.

Joe worked for the Federal Government and retired from the SSA in 2005.  He was dedicated to Veterans causes and served as President of the VVA Chapter 304 and as a member of the Elks 684 Veterans Committee.  Joe was also one of the founding members of the committee to design and erect the Frederick County Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  He served in the US Army for six years, as a Combat Engineer. He was proud of being a member of the 1st Air Calvary Division, serving in Germany and three tours in Vietnam.  He fought in battles at KheSahn and the A-Shau Valley.

Jack was a much loved "Poppy" to his twin grandsons, Vaughn and Chase. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Helen, daughters and husbands, Angela and Brian Williams and Katy and Josef Hanson. He is also survived by his sisters, Jamie Whipp (Wayne) and Joni Covell.  Jack was from a large extended family and married into one just as large. He leaves behind dozens of nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, cousins, and many friends.  He will be remembered by his larger than life persona, his great picnics, and his love of fireworks.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 8 E. Ridgeville Blvd., Mount Airy MD. A funeral service will be held at 12pm, Friday, March 24, 2017 at the Stauffer Funeral Home.  Burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Rager's name to DAV, 96 Harrison Court, Frederick, MD 21702

Expressions of sympathy may be made at staufferfuneralhome.com