Willard Raabe

Willard Raabe, age 88, a resident of Kingsville, Texas passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2013 in Kingsville. He was born July 18, 1924 in Tyndall, South Dakota to Albert Raabe and Mary Ann Tierney. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Violet Norene Raabe. Mr. Raabe is survived by two sons, Gary Raabe (Lara) of Johnstown, Colorado and Dale Raabe (Rosalinda) of Kingsville; one sister, Donna Lubers of Yankton, South Dakota; two grandchildren, Lindsey Taylor (Brian) of Superior, Colorado and Marcos Raabe (Anna) of Brownsville, Texas; and one great-granddaughter, Adalynn Taylor of Superior, Colorado.

After graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Italy during World War II. Following his discharge from service, he moved from South Dakota to Wilmette, Illinois. There in the Chicago area, he worked for Jewel Food Stores for over 30 years working his way from stock boy to district manager. In 1978 at the age of 53, he began his second career as a McDonald’s Restaurant Franchisee in Kingsville, Texas. Throughout his time in Kingsville, he became involved in the community serving as President of the Kingsville Chamber of Commerce and served on the Kleberg Bank Board of Directors and Spohn Kleberg Hospital Board. He was also a Javelina Football supporter and loyal member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Despite his busy schedule, he never missed an opportunity to go play golf.

Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2013 at the Turcotte-Piper Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 5, 2013 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 521 East Doddridge Street, Kingsville, with Rev. Allan C. Eckert officiating. Burial will follow in Kingsville at Chamberlain Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Veterans of Kleberg County Military Funeral Detail.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas.