Richard E. Raffit's Obituary
Richard E. Raffit, known affectionately as Rich, passed away peacefully at Aurora Hospital Oshkosh, WI surrounded by family on September 1, 2024. Born in Chicago on January 14, 1932.
Rich’s loving spirit is carried on by his wife, Barbara, his daughters, Diane (Dave) Edwards, Judy (Bill) Gutgsell, Laverne (Martin) Halvey, Theresa (Daniel) Humprey, Joanne (Todd) Baker, Anne Soenksen, Lisa (Mark) Palfrey, Michele (Mike) Henschied, twenty-four grandchildren, and thirty-five great grandchildren, and one great-great child.
Rich enjoyed his childhood with his loving parents Edward and Julia in Chicago and Schiller Park, IL He was very proud to be a Petty Officer in the Navy and subsequently, a Police Officer. He moved to a successful career in Sales as his family grew to eight. Never to sit still, he enjoyed founding a Habitat for Humanity in Montello, managing hotels, travel, and being with family and friends during retirement.
He was always young at heart. His zest for life, people, animals, nature, and sense of humor will be missed by everyone that knew him.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 12 noon in the Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home, 865 S. Westhaven Drive in Oshkosh. A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 am until the time of service. Full military honors will be accorded by the United Veterans Honor Guard immediately following the service.
A special thank you to the Nurses, CNAs, and staff at Aurora Hospital that gave exceptional care and attention to Rich the last week of his life.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Habitat for Humanity Oshkosh https://www.habitat.org/wi/oshkosh/hfh-oshkosh or the Oshkosh Area Humane Society https://www.oahs.org/ would be appreciated.
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