Oscar Raffel's Obituary
Big Rapids Oscar Raffel, 92, of Big Rapids, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, December 26, 2008, from his residence. He was born June 24, 1916, in Colfax Township, the son of Fred and Louise (Schmidt) Raffel. Oscar was baptized at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, and attended school there, graduating in 1931. In 1938, Oscar was hired by the U.S. Post Office as a substitute clerk and city carrier. In June of 1941, he joined the U.S. Army, serving with the Third Armored Division. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, Oscar returned to Big Rapids, and resumed working for the Post Office as a rural carrier until retiring in 1976. For several years after retirement, Oscar drove for Dial-A-Ride transportation. Oscar was a lifelong member of St. Peters, where he served as a Deacon, Elder, and usher. He also was a member of the Board of Education there, and taught Sunday School for many years. Oscar also helped to deliver Meals-on-Wheels, and was a member of the Rural Letter Carriers Association. He enjoyed travelling throughout the country visiting with family and friends. In 1946, he married Leona Arndt, who preceded him in death on July 10, 2008. Surviving are 3 daughters, Linda (Joe) Johnson of Crowley, TX, Marlene (Klebe) Brumble of Waxahachie, TX, and Bonnie Clark of Big Rapids; 3 sons, Gary of Big Rapids, Aaron of White Pigeon, and John of Greenville; 12 grandchildren, Renee, Angie, Tom, Susan, Amy, Chris, Mike, Bob, Jenna, Rob, Becky, and Billy; 4 great-grandchildren, Sara, Skylar, Ryan, and McKensie; 1 brother-in-law, Henry (Helen) Arndt of Morley; and many nieces and nephews. Oscar was also preceded in death by his brothers Fred, Emil, Art, Otto, George, and Albert, and his sister Minnie Yanke. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 29, 2008, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. Dan Lochner officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery, with military honors under the auspices of American Legion Post #98 and AmVets Post #1941. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for St. Peters or the Lutheran Hour Ministries may be left in care of the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, where Oscars family will greet friends on Sunday, December 28, from 3-6 p.m., and at the church prior to services on Monday.
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