Vera Ruth Raasch

Vera Ruth Raasch was born on January 11, 1927, the daughter of Roscoe and Lillian (Matthiesen) Buck in Walnut, Iowa. She was one of eleven children in the family. She graduated from Shelby Consolidated School in Shelby, Iowa, and the University of Omaha, receiving a B.S. Degree in Education. Her teaching career extended over 33 years, and she taught in Elk Horn and Harlan schools until her retirement on June 1, 1990.

She married Wayne Raasch on June 5, 1967, in Nashua, Iowa, and the couple made their home in Harlan. Vera was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Harlan and a member of Upsilon State Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. Her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Vera passed away on June 10, 2026, at Myrtue Medical Center, having attained the age of 99 years, four months, and 30 days. In addition to her parents, Roscoe and Lillian Buck, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Raasch, in 2023; son, Terry Heilig, in 2020; daughter-in-law, Ruth Heilig, in 2026; and her siblings: Bessie, Retha, Robert, Veta, Lowell, Roscoe Jr., Millie, Lois, and Alta.

She is survived by her son, Dan Heilig of Elk Horn; four grandchildren, Carrie Heilig of Fremont, NE, Brian (Nicole) Heilig of Wauconda, IL, Amy (Jim) Adamson of Adel, IA, and Chris (Jessica) Heilig of Flower Mound, TX; and four great-grandchildren, Molly (Nick) Howell, Michael Adamson, Cole Heilig, and Reed Heilig; sister, Edna Barton of Colorado Springs, CO; nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the Funeral Service to begin at 4:00 p.m., all at the Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan. Memorials may be directed to the Harlan Community Library and the Harlan First United Methodist Church.