Wayne Leo Raasch

April 15, 1929 ~ July 12, 2023

VISITATION DETAILS

Sunday, July 16, 2023

1:00- 3:00 PM

Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Inc.

Harlan, IA

(get directions)

SERVICE DETAILS

Sunday, July 16, 2023

3:00 PM

Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Inc.

Harlan, IA

(get directions)

Burial will be in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, IA

SURVIVORS

Wife – Vera Raasch of Harlan, IA

1 Stepson – Dan (Ruth) Heilig of Elk Horn, IA

4 Grandchildren – Amy (Jim) Adamson of Adel, IA

Chris (Jessica) Heilig of Flower Mound, TX

Carrie Heilig of Fremont, NE

Brian (Nicole) Heilig of Buffalo Grove, IL

4 Great-grandchildren – Molly (Nick) Howell

Michael Adamson

Cole Heilig

Reed Heilig

Other Relatives & Friends

Wayne Leo Raasch, the son of Arthur George and Gladys Margaret (Ryan) Raasch, was born on April 15, 1929, in Massena Township, Cass County, Iowa. He attended rural school and graduated from Cumberland (Iowa) High School in 1946. In September of 1946, Wayne enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served his country for three years, being stationed on Guam from August of 1947 until May of 1949. After his Honorable Discharge, he worked for the Soil Conservation Service for 30 years, retiring in 1984. Following his retirement, Wayne became a valued member of the Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home staff, where he worked as a parttime funeral assistant for many years.

In 1962, Wayne relocated to Harlan, Iowa. On June 5, 1967, he was united in marriage to Vera Ruth (Buck) Heilig in Nashua, Iowa, and the couple made their home in Harlan.

Wayne was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Harlan where he served on the church board for many years. He also served on the Harlan Community Library Board, and was a member of Harlan Odd Fellows Lodge from 1963 until it closed. Wayne had a special interest in traveling and visiting historical sites and museums. An avid reader, he also enjoyed golf and fishing, as well as watching old movies.

Wayne L. Raasch died on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa. He had reached the age of 94 years, 2 months, and 17 days.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Kloppenburg and Iona Scott; one brother, Larry Raasch; and one stepson, Terry Heilig. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Vera Raasch of Harlan, Iowa; one stepson, Dan (Ruth) Heilig of Elk Horn, Iowa; four grandchildren, Amy (Jim) Adamson of Adel, Iowa, Chris (Jessica) Heilig of Flower Mound, Texas, Carrie Heilig of Fremont, Nebraska, and Brian (Nicole) Heilig of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; four great-grandchildren, Molly (Nick) Howell, Michael Adamson, Cole Heilig, and Reed Heilig; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, and a private graveside service and burial will be held in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Steve McElroy of the First United Methodist Church of Harlan, Iowa, served as the officiant. Casket bearers were Brian Heilig, Carrie Heilig, Chris Heilig, Jessica Heilig, Amy Adamson, and Jim Adamson. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home, Inc. in Harlan, Iowa, assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.