Marianne Raasch

The memorial service for Marianne Raasch of Alberta will be held Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio, Minnesota. Celebrant for the memorial mass will be Father John Paul Knopik. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. with a rosary to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at Summit Cemetery in Morris, Minnesota.

Marianne Rose Loher, daughter of Lester and Mae (Fluegel) Loher was born on October 15, 1937 in Morris, Minnesota. She graduated from Alberta High School in 1955 and attended St. Ben’s College, St. Cloud, Minnesota graduating in 1959. During her college years, Marianne worked at a resort. Marianne was united in marriage to Orville Raasch on June 13, 1959, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio; the first couple to be married in this church. The couple made their home near Alberta and Marianne taught Home Economics at the Hancock Public School. In 1962, she decided to stay home to care for her family and started a drapery business; she would also substitute teach in Chokio-Alberta. Marianne through the years also worked for Kearney’s Clothing and Wente’s Furniture in Morris, before retiring. Orville died on February 18, 2016. Marianne continued to live near Alberta before entering the Grace Home in Graceville in August of 2017.

Marianne was an active member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio: she was a Eucharistic minister, sang in the choir, taught religion, was a member of Christian Mothers, and spent time each week preparing floral bouquets for mass each Sunday. Marianne also started a craft club in her basement to help fund the fellowship hall addition.

She was a member of Till and Tell Garden Club, Synes Tuesday Homemakers, and Alberta Turn of the Century Group. Marianne was energetic in the Stevens County Fair for many years, serving on the board and several years as head of the open class. She loved her flowers, visiting with her family and friends, and spending time with her grandchildren. She spent many hours baking, crafting, and cooking; taking pride in all she did.

Marianne died on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Grace Home in Graceville, Minnesota. She was 80 years old.

She is survived by: three children: Kelly (Lorri) Raasch of Clarion, IA, Karla (Vern) Powlish of Graceville and Patrick Raasch of Marshall; six grandchildren: Justin (Liz) Raasch, Jennifer (Jared) Bremer, Melissa (Jesse) Washnesky, Corey (Brittney) Powlish, Matthew (Katie) Powlish and Amy Powlish; five great-grandchildren: Payton and Paisley Raasch, Logan Powlish, Marc and Aaron Washnesky, and two on the way; one brother-in-law: Wallace (Punky) Raasch of Morris; two sisters-in-law: Stella Raasch of Morris and JoAnn Loher of Appleton. Marianne was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Jeanette (Warren) Svendsgaard; one brother, James Loher; three brothers-in-law: Delbert, Luverne (Rosie) and Lloyd Raasch; one sister-in-law: Lianne Raasch; and her in-laws: Herman and Ruth Raasch.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences to the family please visit www.pedersenfh.com.