Russel Raasch 2004

RAASCH, BOWER, MILLER, SHANNON, MENSING, SMITH, WEBER SEWELL

Posted By: Mary Giles (email)
Date: 5/6/2005 at 17:08:02

Russel R.Raasch, 87, passed away June 19, at the Good Samaritan Center in Fontanelle.
Russel Richard Raasch was born Feb.26, 1917 to Frank W. & Ida L.E. [Bower]Raasch on his parents' farm north of Bridgewater.
Russel was raised on the family farm & graduated from Bridgewater High School with the class of 1934.
In 1943 he was united in marriage to Lucile K.[Miller]Shannon in Los Angeles, California.
He was drafted into theUS Army in May 1941, during WW2. He was honorably discharged in Sept.1945. He was distinguished with theBronze Star Medal.
After returning from Military service in 1945, Russel, Lucile & family made their home in Fontanelle where they lived until he went to the Good Samaritan Center in Jan. 2003.
Russel was appointed as a rural mail carrier in 1947 & retired in 1978 with 30 years of service. He also started farming in 1946 where he remained active until going to theGood Samaritan Center.
Russel was an avid sports fan. He especially enjoyed going to the kids' & grandkids' athletic games. He attended hundreds of these events. He also enjoyed many years attending Cyclone football games. Another event he always looked forward to was camping at the Iowa State Fair. This was an annual event that he attended for 71 years. While farming, Russel enjoyed his Hereford cattle & attending farm auctions. Russel was a very loving husband, father & grandfather whose dedication to hard work was an example to everyone.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Lyle & Norvin; sisters Regina & Irna; son-in-law Harold Mensing & great-grandson Zachary.
He is survived by his wife Lucile Raasch of Fontanelle; children Donald Shannon & wife Joanne of Greenfield, Vinita Smith * husband Melvin of Panora, Karen Weber & husband Keith of Hartley, Bill Raasch & wife Judi of Greenfield, Rex Raasch & wife Verlee of Waukee, Vicki Mensing of Fontanelle & Evie Sewell & husband Bert of Ankeny; 23 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; other relatives & friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday June 22 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle with the Rev. John Emerson officiating.
Music tributes were by organist Kathy Thompson with congregational singing.
Pallbears were Wayne Shannon, John Weber, Ryan Sewell, Matt Raasch, Mike Mensing & Greg Raasch.
Honorary pallbearers were Martha Lamb & Sandy Bremer.
The floral committee included Shelly Pottebaum, Linda Wood, Marlene Lamborn & Larry Raasch.
Interment was in the Fontanelle Cemetery with full Military Graveside Rites by the Fontanelle American Legion Carlson Post #247.
Steen Funeral Homes provided professional services.