Donald (Don) Dean Raasch, 98, of Lincoln, passed away on May 2, 2024 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born on October 14, 1925 in Norfolk, Nebraska. Don was the third of five children to Adolph and LaVerne (Schiebe) Raasch. He attended Norfolk High School and later attended Norfolk Junior College. On October 14, 1943, his 18th birthday, Don enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 26th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Division. On February 19, 1945, he landed on Iwo Jima and was instrumental in securing the first landing strip. His unit of 915 Marines sustained a 98% casualty rate, leaving him one of 12 Marines to survive the harrowing battle. Don was awarded a purple heart for his injuries sustained in battle.
In August of 1951, Don married his true love, Nita Anderson, they were blessed with four children. Don worked with NPPD for 46 years. He was a devout Lutheran and enjoyed his time at church. Don was a skilled roller skater in his youth and an avid golfer achieving a coveted hole in one once in his life as an adult. Don loved his St. Louis Cardinals.
Don is survived by his four children, Susan (Andrew) Lundy of Lincoln, Michael Raasch of Scottsdale, Penny Orr of Lincoln, and Brett (Christy) Raasch of Lincoln. In addition, he is survived by his eight grandchildren, Kile, Megan, Tyler, Kara, Beri, Liam, Kale, and Emery; nine great-grandchildren; and sibling Marjorie Raasch (102) of Norfolk, Nebraska.
He was preceded in death by his wife Nita; siblings Jean Albers, Norma Dryer, and David Raasch; son-in-law Frank Orr; granddaughter Alison Van Slyke; and many others…he was 98 after all!
Visitation will occur on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm and the funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Friday, May 10, 2024, military internment to immediately follow. All events at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home & Cemetery.
