Gloria M. Raatz

Gloria Mae Raatz, Wautoma, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 7, 2022.

Gloria was born February 3, 1934 in Weyauwega to Fred and Ruth (Timm) Behn. She graduated from Weyauwega High School. Gloria was a senior in High School when she went to Orihula Ballroom in Fremont, while there she was asked to dance by Orval Raatz and their courtship began. Gloria and Orval married on August 9, 1953 and moved to the family homestead in Wautoma.

Gloria was a hardworking woman, she supported Orval with the farm life for years taking care of many animals, always tending to a large garden and raising their three children: Jeff, Allen and Dawn.

Gloria loved her family. Becoming a grandma and great grandmother brought her years of happiness. She enjoyed her many pets, gardening, travel and trips with family, going for car rides to see the fall colors, trying new restaurants and visits with her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. She enjoyed trips to the ball field including Richford, Lambeau Field, Brewers stadium and could be heard cheering on her teams. Gloria was an avid sports fan and when you stopped by the farm you could often find her enjoying her love of watching sports or listening to the Brewers, Bucks, Packers or Badgers and if her team was not doing well, you could hear her yelling at the television or radio. She also enjoyed cooking and was well known for her dill pickles, hot beef sandwiches, many amazing desserts, and her yummy Christmas candy.

Gloria had a smile and a laugh you would never forget and once you heard her laugh or saw her smile, you could not help but smile with her. Her home had an open-door policy to all, and her kitchen was always a warm wonderful place to be. She enjoyed visiting, a great card game, and sharing a dish of ice cream with fresh picked strawberries.

Gloria was a woman of strong faith and a cherished member of Peace Lutheran Church in Wautoma. She participated in the Ladies Aide for many years. She also enjoyed her time at the senior center playing cards, attending exercise classes and building lasting friendships. Her last few years were spent at Preston Place in Redgranite where she enjoyed bingo, making many crafts and sharing stories with the staff. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Gloria is survived by sons Jeff (Deb) Raatz, Wautoma, Allen Raatz, Wautoma; daughter Dawn (Bob) Chaffin, Marshfield; grandchildren: Dennis, Curtis (Teresa), Brandon (fiancée Candy), Rachel, Garrick and Morgan; great grandchildren: Ulrich, Visara, Elizabeth, Adrian, Isis, Gavin, and Liara. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 38 years, Orval Raatz; her grandson, Jeremy Chaffin; her siblings and spouses: brothers Ralph Behn and Doug (Marge) Behn; sisters, Marion (Tom) Brick and Romelda (Eugene) Madison; her sisters in-law and brothers-in-law: Mavis (Martin) Wedell, Rose (Martin) Pomplun, Marcella (John) Wideman; nephew, Mitchell Pomplun; niece, Becky Madison.

Funeral services will be held at on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Wautoma with the Rev. Steven Tews officiating. Burial will be at Richford Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the Church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services.

The family would like to thank the staff of Preston Place and the hospice team for the amazing care given to Gloria.