Lyle Raasch

Lyle Raasch, 85, of Walthill, NE, died on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at the Wisner Care Center in Wisner, NE.  Visitation will be on Monday, January 4, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh - Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE.  The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beemer, NE.  Burial with military honors will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh - Smtih Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE. 

Lyle Leon Raasch was born in Beemer, Nebraska on June 22, 1935 to Adolph Sr. and Alma (Hass) Raasch as the eighth of twelve children. Upon his graduation from Beemer High School in 1952, Lyle entered the U.S. Army, where he fought in the Korean Conflict from 1953 to 1955. After being honorably discharged, Lyle returned to Nebraska where he began working in Omaha. This is where he met Mary Felber and they were joined in marriage on December 29, 1957 in Beemer.  To this union, four children were born.

Lyle’s career, spanning over 50 years in finance, took his family to numerous states before returning to Nebraska. His tenure included positions at several financial institutions, culminating with his retirement in 2008 while Senior Vice President at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Kearney.  He received certificates of continued education from the Colorado School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado, and the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma.

While a member of Optimist International, he was named an Admiral with The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska recognizing his many contributions to the organization and the community. Volunteer work was important to Lyle and was shown by his participation in Gateway Farm Expo, Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic, Colonels Club, and Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce.

Lyle’s hands fit a hammer better than a golf club and he used his talents in construction as his hobby to remodel and build numerous homes.  Work came first, but there was also time for fun.  Lyle enjoyed entertaining, whether at his home in Kearney, his cabin at Jeffery Reservoir, or his home in Paisley, Florida.  He also developed a talent for barbequing and was often asked to cook for community and family events.  Lyle’s most memorable characteristic, whether with family or friends, was his booming, infectious laugh.

During retirement, Lyle balanced living in Nebraska and Florida, and in the Spring of 2017, Lyle met Nancy Athey.  After spending time together and traveling to different states, Lyle and Nancy were married on February 14, 2018 in Eustis, FL.  For many who knew Lyle, farming was deeply rooted in his spirit and he enjoyed helping on the Athey family farm. The couple would also enjoy meeting friends and family to play cards, dominos, and Rummikub. Lyle was always determined to make playing cards and games a fun adventure for everyone, even if they were just watching.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Kevin (Sheena) Raasch of Grinnell, IA, Deb Raasch of Bellevue, NE, Jean (Ed) Spillman of Kearney, NE, Len (Tracy) Raasch of Foley, MO, Janelle Stansberry of Fremont, Shellie (Bill) Harms of Colorado Springs, CO, Bill (Kari) Athey of Walthill, NE, Wally (Jennifer) Juhlin of Crawford, NE; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dean Raasch of Phoenix, AZ, Terry (Cindy) Raasch of Beemer, NE; sister, Elgene (Lyman) Brown of Sutton; as well as extended family and many friends.

Lyle was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Raasch; parents, Adolph Sr. and Alma Raasch; brothers, Adolph Jr. (Beverly) Raasch, Clifford Raasch, Harlan Raasch, Dallas Raasch; sisters, Berdina (Elmer) Paulsen, Ivaloh (William) Cooper, Vernell (Quentin) Petz, Orphia (Warren) Ackerman; grandson, Kevin Lyons; infant granddaughter, Alexandria Raasch.