Ellsworth V. Raasch, age 90, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at Benedictine Living Community in Wausau. He was born on May 15, 1926 to the late Benjamin and Esther (Kriehn) Raasch in Hamburg, WI. Ellsworth attended school in Hamburg, before being drafted to the Army in 1952. He was stationed in Germany and talked about visiting Sweden, Holland. He was a very hard-worker on his parents farm. He proudly served his country in the Army for 2 years and then the Army Reserve for 6 years. He met Helena Langbecker, and the two exchanged vows on August 9, 1958 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill, a union lasting 47 years. She preceded him in death on February 9, 2005.
Ellsworth was a farmer for his entire adult life, raising mink and beef. He worked for Fromm Brothers for 19 years. In his younger years, he would travel around the country harvesting all types of crops. Ellsworth loved the outdoors and had a deep respect and love for nature. Ellsworth would always look forward to watching the animals from his window, and feeding the occasional stray animal. He would spend time outdoors fishing and looked forward to turkey and deer hunting. Ellsworth was a fun-loving and kind-hearted person. He loved his family and was a great listener. He was a great cook and enjoyed baking – he will always be remembered for his famous chocolate chip oatmeal cookies! Ellsworth would enjoy spending time with his beagles and his cats.
Ellsworth is survived by his sister: Marcella (Ward) Johnson of Wichita, KS, brother: Leland Raasch of Merrill, as well as, many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Benjamin and Esther Raasch, his wife of 47 years: Helena Raasch, nephew, Dennis Mootz and niece, Janet Raasch.
Funeral Services for Ellsworth will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 11am at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. Missy Holdorf will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2016 from 10am until the time of the service, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Snow Hill Cemetery in the town of Scott. Military honors will be performed by the Merrill VFW Post #1638 at the cemetery. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.