Lloyd Raasch

Lloyd Darrel Raasch was born on July 20, 1924 in Synnes Township to Herman and Ruth Raasch. He was the second of five boys. Times were not easy then and Lloyd took work wherever he could, working for neighbors as well as his parents, milking cows, field work, whatever work had to be done. He learned to never be afraid of hard work, but he also learned to enjoy life, and take time away from work for himself and his family. Lloyd attended country school through the eighth grade, when he quit to work full time. He was baptized, confirmed, and attended church at Trinity Lutheran Church in Synnes Township.



Lloyd was married to Stella Jorgenson at Trinity Lutheran Church on April 17, 1945, shortly before he was sent overseas to fight in Europe as a Marine in WWII. After coming home from the Marines in December of 1946, they farmed south of Chokio until retirement. They never really "retired", though. They cleaned Our Saviors Church for 13 years, and Lloyd really enjoyed working for neighbors and family during the spring and fall rush. All through his life, Lloyd was always busy, with livestock chores, farming and working at the Benson Sales barn twice a week, but he never forgot to take time out for fun. Lloyd and Stella spent many evenings dancing at the Minnewaska House in Glenwood, or playing cards with their large circle of good friends. Even after he slowed down and entered the Grace Home in Graceville, he and Stella would spend a little time "cutting a rug" together! Of course there was always the time spent fishing and hunting with friends, and then as time went on with his own children, their spouses, and of course the grand kids and the great-grandkids! The annual week at the lake resort just kept getting bigger and bigger, and Lloyd seemed to love it more as there were more and more little kids to call him "Grandpa Lloyd"! There are quite a few of his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids who hold many fond memories of fishing with Grandpa, whether it was at the resort, or when Lloyd and Stella visited them at their own favorite fishing spot! Lloyd took special pleasure in walking each of his seven daughters down the aisle for their wedding. When the pastor asked "who gives this woman", his answer "Her mother and I" was always loud and clear!



Lloyd passed away on Veteran's Day, November 11th, 2005 at the Pelican Lake Healthcare Center in Ashby, knowing that he had lived a wonderful life and had loved and was loved by many people. He lived to reach the age of 81 years.



He is survived by his wife: Stella Raasch of Chokio; eight children: Linda (Bob) Anderson of Breckenridge, Michael (Betty) Raasch of Chokio, Sandra (Richard) Reimers of Chokio, Barbara (Wayne) Charles of Rosemount, Lorna (Clark) DeCamp of Chokio, Jackie Krosch of Chokio, Pamela (Paul) Daly of Donnelly and Connie (Wayne) Gillespie of Sartell; 25 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and two brothers: Wallace (Punky) Raasch of Morris and Orville (Marianne) Raasch of Alberta. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter: Peggy Francis Raasch and two brothers: Delbert and Lavern Raasch.



Pallbearers for the service are Lloyd's grandsons: Tony Reimers, Matthew Raasch, Cory DeCamp, Ross Charles, Benjamin Reimers and Brad Krosch. Honorary pallbearers are Lloyd's other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Julene Amborn will serve as organist for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.