Ricky William Raatz

Ricky William Raatz, 73, was born February 17, 1953, in Valley City, North Dakota, and died May 26, 2026 in Dallas, Oregon, and resided in Lincoln City, Oregon. Throughout his life, Ricky carried himself with steady courage and a deep regard for others—qualities that shaped both his service to country and his long career of caring for people in moments of need.

Ricky pursued his education with determination and purpose. He earned his high school diploma and continued his studies at Jamestown College for Nursing in 1983. In 1990, he attended Moorhead University, earning a BA and BS, and received honors in track and field. He also obtained licenses as an R.N. and in Legal Aid—reflecting a commitment to helping others.

Ricky served in the U.S. Navy, including service in Vietnam. His military decorations included the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star and the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star. He was stationed overseas in Pakistan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. In every assignment, he met the demands of duty with resolve, and he carried forward a quiet bravery that remained evident long after his service.

In civilian life, Ricky devoted 32 years to work as a Registered Nurse in Surgery. His compassion was not merely a virtue, but a practice—expressed through steady hands, attentive care. Ricky married Wendy Raatz in 2006, and they both lived in Washington until 2012, before moving to Oregon. He is also remembered for the love he held for family and for the bonds he maintained with those closest to him. Away from work, Ricky found renewal outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and camping—pursuits that suited his grounded spirit and appreciation of the natural world.

Ricky is survived by his wife, Wendy Raatz; his sister, Cheryl (Dale); his sister, Lisa (Mike); his brother, Fred (Kim); his brother, Randy (Janice); his brother, Lonny (Shanan); his God Child, Heidi Wolff; his step-daughter, Brooke; his step-daughter, Rachael; and Grandchildren Branna, Jayleigh, Adrionna, Pamela, Dakotah, Owen, Emma and Audrey. He was preceded in death by his father, William Raatz, and his mother, Helen Raatz.

A Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, Washington 98042, on June 19, 2026, at 11:30 am.