Obituaries

 

Virginia (“Ginny”) M. Raab

Virginia (“Ginny”) M. Raab, age 84, of Montello, peacefully joined our Lord and Savior on February 10, 2013.

Virginia was born on October 15, 1928, the only daughter of Alois and Maria (Hofer) Lohberger. Her formative years were spent in Milwaukee. She received her BA in 1950 from Marquette University, then went on to Stanford University to earn her MA in Spanish. She spent two summers studying in Mexico. When she returned, she began teaching English and Spanish in Shullsburg, WI. There she met the love of her life, John Raab, Sr.  They wed on December 26th, 1953.  Most of her married life, she and John were a part of the DeForest community and were active members of St. Olaf’s Catholic Church. She taught religious education, served as the Director of Religious Education for several years, and was a member of the St. Ann’s Women’s Guild.

Ginny had a quick wit, child-like heart, and light-hearted spirit, which was brought out when she gathered with her friends and family. She was especially fond of her “Birthday Bunch”. Ginny was a woman of many talents and she showed her creative side by teaching cake decorating for many years, crocheting/knitting prayer shawls and baby hats for local hospitals. She shared her love of music with her family. She showed us you’re never too old to learn, as she began taking violin lessons in her late 70s.

She taught her children how to love God, show love and respect for all, forgive, have patience, and help those less fortunate. One of her favorite lines was, “Your reward will be great, if not in this world, then the next.” Here’s to your Great Reward Mom. We love you!

Ginny found her true vocation in “Motherhood”. She would say she had a baker’s dozen; no favorites and all were special to her. She would recite: “I gather my children around me, each one in turn I embrace, each one is a gift from my Maker, God has such wonderful taste.” She is survived by her 13 children, M. Katherine Eagan, Evansville, John Raab, Jr. (Jody), Mechanicsville, VA, Geri Nehls (David), Poynette, Jim Raab (Kathy), Madison, Peggy Martin (Steve), Marshall, Steve Raab (Mary-Anne), Pardeeville, Paul Raab, Reedsburg, Chris Clark (Mike), Briggsville, Richard Raab (Janette), Walpole, MA, Philip Raab (Shari Esser), Dalton, Barb Kearns (Bill), Dalton, Larry Raab (Sheila), Madison, Julie Saalsaa (Jerry), Cambria; 34 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; Close Cousins: Hugo Wilms, ME, Roman and Dr. Helga Wilms, Germany, Betty (Kenny) Bookman, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alois and Maria Lohberger, her husband, John D. Raab Sr., and a great-grandson, Bentley.

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 9:00AM until 11:00AM at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson St., DeForest.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, with Fr. Rob Butz presiding and Fr. David Greenfield, concelebrating. Burial will be at St. Olaf’s Cemetery in DeForest followed by a luncheon at the Parish Hall.

Supporting charities were very important to Virginia; in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend thanks to Home Health United, St Mary’s Hospital and Agrace Hospice.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.  www.pmmfh.com

 

Obituaries
For information please call 608 742-2126 (Portage, WI) or 608 635-2763 (Poynette, WI)