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In Memory of
Kenneth William
Raasch
Raasch
1930 - 2016
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Anderson's Tribute Center
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
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Life Story for Kenneth William Raasch
Kenneth William Raasch, a resident of Hood River, Oregon, passed away April 20, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Kenneth was born June 30, 1926 in Monroe County, Missouri to George and Ethyl Raasch. Ken’s childhood was spent in Missouri and New York. Before graduation from High School he joined the Army Air Corps and he trained in Hawaii and Arizona, before being Honorably Discharged in 1946.
Ken met Marjory Freemole while attending the University of Colorado. They were married in 1950. Following graduation they accepted a teaching job in Kotzebue, Alaska. The couple taught Native Americans from 1952-1954. While living in Alaska their first born child, Kathy Raasch (Maxwell), was born September 9, 1953. Following their time in Alaska, they moved to Parkdale, Oregon where Ken taught at the Parkdale School. While living in Parkdale their son Brian Raasch was born, Jan. 4, 1956. They moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1959 where Ken was Dean of Boys while obtaining his Masters Degree from the University of Oregon.
Wanting to move back to Hood River, in 1961, Ken was accepted a position as the principal of Mid-Valley Middle School until his retirement. On October 5, 1962, Jennifer Raasch (Kanable) was born. With the help of his good friend Jack Baldwin, Ken built his home of 55 years. A love for skiing and Mt. Hood, Ken taught at Cooper Spur for 37 years. All of his kids and grandkids enjoyed many week-ends on the slopes of Cooper Spur. He would give free classes to many ski enthusiasts on how to tune their skis.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife Marjory, mother to Kathy, Brian & Jennifer, in 1997.
Ken met his partner Eleanor Gradwohl and they became the dearest of friends. Eleanor moved to Hood River in 2004. They enjoyed many years of travel and adventures as well as wonderful times spent with family and friends.
Many who knew Ken can still laugh at the many jokes he shared, including the ones he told right up until a few days prior to his death. Ken will be remembered as a kind hearted person who loved to educate, ski, carve wood, enjoy a glass of merlot and visit with all he came in contact with. He was a loving husband, partner, friend, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Ken is survived by his children Kathy Maxwell & husband Don Maxwell, Brian Raasch & wife Kristy Raasch, and Jennifer Kanable & husband Ed Kanable. Six grandchildren, Aaron, Cooper, Josh, Alex, Bailey & Roxie and four great-grandchildren. Eleanor’s grandchildren, Jake & Sara were a big part of Ken’s life as well and became his grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to OHSU Parkinson’s Research or Hospice of the Gorge.
Ken will be forever in the hearts of so many that he touched in his almost 90 years.
A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday May, 14th at Hood River Valley Christian Church (975 Indian Creek Rd, Hood River, OR 97031).
Arrangements under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
Kenneth was born June 30, 1926 in Monroe County, Missouri to George and Ethyl Raasch. Ken’s childhood was spent in Missouri and New York. Before graduation from High School he joined the Army Air Corps and he trained in Hawaii and Arizona, before being Honorably Discharged in 1946.
Ken met Marjory Freemole while attending the University of Colorado. They were married in 1950. Following graduation they accepted a teaching job in Kotzebue, Alaska. The couple taught Native Americans from 1952-1954. While living in Alaska their first born child, Kathy Raasch (Maxwell), was born September 9, 1953. Following their time in Alaska, they moved to Parkdale, Oregon where Ken taught at the Parkdale School. While living in Parkdale their son Brian Raasch was born, Jan. 4, 1956. They moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1959 where Ken was Dean of Boys while obtaining his Masters Degree from the University of Oregon.
Wanting to move back to Hood River, in 1961, Ken was accepted a position as the principal of Mid-Valley Middle School until his retirement. On October 5, 1962, Jennifer Raasch (Kanable) was born. With the help of his good friend Jack Baldwin, Ken built his home of 55 years. A love for skiing and Mt. Hood, Ken taught at Cooper Spur for 37 years. All of his kids and grandkids enjoyed many week-ends on the slopes of Cooper Spur. He would give free classes to many ski enthusiasts on how to tune their skis.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife Marjory, mother to Kathy, Brian & Jennifer, in 1997.
Ken met his partner Eleanor Gradwohl and they became the dearest of friends. Eleanor moved to Hood River in 2004. They enjoyed many years of travel and adventures as well as wonderful times spent with family and friends.
Many who knew Ken can still laugh at the many jokes he shared, including the ones he told right up until a few days prior to his death. Ken will be remembered as a kind hearted person who loved to educate, ski, carve wood, enjoy a glass of merlot and visit with all he came in contact with. He was a loving husband, partner, friend, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Ken is survived by his children Kathy Maxwell & husband Don Maxwell, Brian Raasch & wife Kristy Raasch, and Jennifer Kanable & husband Ed Kanable. Six grandchildren, Aaron, Cooper, Josh, Alex, Bailey & Roxie and four great-grandchildren. Eleanor’s grandchildren, Jake & Sara were a big part of Ken’s life as well and became his grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to OHSU Parkinson’s Research or Hospice of the Gorge.
Ken will be forever in the hearts of so many that he touched in his almost 90 years.
A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday May, 14th at Hood River Valley Christian Church (975 Indian Creek Rd, Hood River, OR 97031).
Arrangements under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
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