Donald A. Raab

Donald A. Raab, lifetime area resident, died Thursday, March 28, 2013 in Antigo, under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 85 years old. He was born Aug. 2, 1927 in Antigo, son of the late Louis and Genevieve (Wirtz) Raab. He attended Deerbrook Graded School, then worked on the family farm. He married Marcella Kegler on Oct. 25, 1947 at St. Wencel's Catholic Church in Neva. She survives. Mr. Raab was a longtime farmer, living on the family dairy and potato farm from age 8 until 1990. He also owned and operated a milk route. Upon his retirement from farming, he and his wife moved to Neva Lake. He was a member of the Associated Milk Producers, Inc., Antigo Co-op Oil, and the Farm Bureau. He served on the AMPI board of directors. For many years, Mr. Raab was involved in County League baseball. He was a pitcher, playing for Deerbrook and Kempster, and he later managed the Deerbrook team. He also coached the Deerbrook little league team. During his retirement, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his wife, Marcella, and family. He especially loved family gatherings with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of St. Wencel's Catholic Church. Survivors, in addition to his wife Marcella Raab, include a daughter, Judy (Don) Ulik of Hartford; son, Jim (Kate) Raab of Deerbrook; sister, Phyllis Kegler of Antigo; 5 grandchildren, Chad (Kris) Ulik, Kellie (Jared) Burdick, Jennifer (Paul) Spencer, Nate Raab, and Molly Raab; 10 great-grandchildren, Monica Brown, Julia Ulik, Rebekah Ulik, Mia Ulik, Kyler Burdick, Kobi Burdick, Taylor Spencer, Dylan Spencer, Zachary Spencer, and Bentley Raab. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant brother, Gerald. A funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 1 at St. Wencel's Catholic Church in Neva, with Fr. William Brunner and Fr. Omer Kelley officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, with parish wake service at 7:30 p.m. A second visitation will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday at the church. Interment will be in St. Wencel's Cemetery following the funeral.