Bennie Raska

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents and all 10 brothers and sisters: Ella (Raska) Fajkus, Emil Raska, Elsie (Raska) Culver, Viola (Raska) Petter, Alfred Raska, Olga (Raska) Marsalia, Emma (Raska) Nesrstra, Alfonse Raska, Julius Raska and Walter Raska. He is survived by his wife, Lena “Peewee” (Orlando) Raska and their 3 children, Cheryl (Raska) Webb and her husband Jeffrey Webb, Benjamin Raska and his wife Lynn (Freidrich) Raska, Steven Raska and his wife Paula (Zuckero) Raska; and 8 grandchildren, Madelyn Raska, Hannah Morris Raska and her husband Cameron Morris, Alexandra Raska, Kathryn Raska, Isabella Raska, Johnathan Dudley, Phillip Raska and Benjamin Raska, Jr. Henry Morris was eagerly welcomed by Bennie as his first great grandchild.

Bennie grew up on a farm in Fayette County, Texas, in a small house with his many brothers and sisters. His first language was Czech, and he didn’t learn English until he started school in a one-room schoolhouse at age 6. He would often sing to his children and grandchildren in Czech when they were young.

Bennie served in the United States army for 4 years. He completed basic training at Fort Benning and was stationed in Connecticut. During his time in the army, he received the Sacrament of Confirmation, which began his lifelong dedication to his faith. After returning home from the army, he moved to Houston and worked as a butcher.

He started dating his wife, Lena, in June of 1960. They went dancing on their first date, and it was truly love at first sight. They were engaged after only 2 weeks of dating and married 3 months later, on September 4, 1960. They were married for 64 blissful years and created many wonderful memories with their family and friends over the years.

Throughout his life, Bennie maintained a deep and unwavering bond with his children. He instilled a love of Houston sports by coaching their little league teams and bringing them to Oilers and Astros games. His love and dedication were evident in every moment he spent with them, and his presence was a constant source of strength and guidance. Bennie cherished these relationships deeply, finding joy and fulfillment in their shared experiences and milestones. He was honored to be godfather to many. He was a role model of how to live a moral, Christian life.

Bennie was a dedicated employee at Baker Oil Tools for 38 years as a machinist. He attended Assumption Catholic Church for 64 years, where he was an active member of the parish. He served as a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Assumption Bazaar Committee for 20 years, an usher during Mass, and counseled engaged couples.

Bennie had a passion for gardening and cultivated a meticulous backyard garden. He had a spring and fall garden where he grew lettuce, onions, garlic, potatoes, cucumbers, turnip greens, tomatoes, corn, peas, and yellow squash. He and Lena cooked beautiful salads, pastas, and vegetable side dishes with his fresh harvests and generously shared the produce with neighbors and family. Bennie loved to play dominos and cards with family and had a great time fishing with his kids, nephews, and grandchildren. He taught each of his kids to swim, despite not knowing how to swim himself. He loved country music and dancing, and he was “pretty good at drinking beer.” He was the life of the party at any wedding or family gathering he attended and could be found on the dance floor gracefully leading his wife, daughter, grandchildren, or one of his many nieces. He and Lena were asked to lead countless Grand Marches at the many weddings they attended. He enjoyed vacations with friends and family at Inks Lake every summer, and he took road trips with his wife and family after his retirement.

Bennie was known for his big, welcoming smile, exceptional character, strong work ethic, steadfastness in his faith, and commitment to his wife and family. He will be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, uncle, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Pallbearers: Phillip Raska, Benjamin Raska Jr., Donald Robson, Donald Marsalia, Cameron Morris, Nathan Raska

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Assumption Catholic Church, 901 Rose Lane, Houston, Texas, 77037, Attention: Father Fr. Osas Onaiwu, CRS; In memory of Bennie Raska. Or by going to https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/4b7c5da9-4097-4506-a308-e20b6e499532 By using this link, you may specify One Time Donation, in memory of Bennie Raska.