George Woodrow Raitz

Obituary

George Woodrow Raitz was born November 10, 1918, in Hector, Minnesota, the son of George Levi and Alice (Johnson) Raitz. He was baptized on January 19, 1919, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector, and confirmed in his faith there on May 20, 1934. George grew up on the farm northwest of Hector, and graduated from the Hector High School. Following graduation, George continued to farm.

On January 20, 1956, George was united in marriage to Carol Wenzel at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector. They made their home on the farm in Brookfield Township, and were blessed with four children, Deb, Jackie, Jolayne, and Greg. George and Carol had shared 29 years of marriage when Carol passed away on April 20, 1985.

George married Lorraine (Fredrickson) Anderson O’Malley on May 15, 1988, at the First Lutheran Church in Hector. They made their home in Hector Township until moving to Hutchinson in 2001. George and Lorraine had shared 17 years of marriage when Lorraine passed away on July 25, 2005. He continued living in Hutchinson until he relocated to Prairie View of Hector in October of 2010. His good-humored wit and clever one-liners will be long remembered by those who live and work at Prairie View.

George enjoyed farming and life on the farm. He served as the clerk of Brookfield Township for many years.

George was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector for most of his life, changing membership to First Lutheran Church upon his marriage with Lorraine. On May 1, 1990, George became a dedicated member of the Hector Kiwanis organization. He rarely missed a Tuesday Kiwanis meeting, and the opportunity to golf with the men after the meetings. He looked forward to the busy Sunday morning Breakfasts where he could talk to everyone as he served beverages.

Throughout his life, George maintained a quiet and thoughtful composure. His pleasant, positive attitude and genuine smile were shown to all he met. Golfing, fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his friends were his favorite pastimes. George loved his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him great joy.

In the early morning hours of Thursday, March 17, 2016, George passed away at Prairie View of Hector, having reached the age of 97 years, 4 months, 7 days.  Blessed be his memory.

George is survived by his:
Children: Deb Olson and her husband Tom of Lake Lillian, MN,
                  Jackie Bratsch of Willmar, MN,
                 Jolayne Parchem and her husband Pat of Mora, MN,
                 Greg Raitz and his wife Kim of Signal Hill, CA;
Grandchildren: Noel (Jason) Kautz, Nicole (Gary) Kavanagh, Lee Olson, Jennifer Pemberton, Matthew Bratsch (Andrea Niesen), Amy (Phil) Shaver, Courtney (Mike Golden) Parchem, Lori (Rick) Rodriguez, Sarah (Tyler) Krogen; Great-Grandchildren: Tanner Kautz, Parker Kautz, Gabrielle Kautz, Walker Kavanagh, Shelby Kavanagh, Aaliyah Pamberton, Levi Pemberton, Morgan Bratsch, Mikayla Shaver, Mason Shaver, Rumor Golden, Mirabel Rodriguez, Charlie Rodriguez, Eva Rodriguez, Joe Rodriguez, Isaac Krogen, Vayda Krogen, Ivy Krogen; Sister, Arlein Anderson of Hector; and by several Nieces, Nephews, other relatives, and friends.

George was preceded in death by his Parents, George and Alice Raitz, his Wife Carol, his Wife Lorraine, Brother-in-law J. Donald Anderson, and by his Siblings and their spouses: Anna and Reinhold Foesch, Norman and Irene Raitz, Melvin and Ila Raitz, Gordon and Virginia Raitz, Adeline and Nick Jacobson.