George Raber Obituary

HEBRON -- George H. Raber, 69, Hebron, died July 31, 2004, at a Richardton health care center after having a heart attack while fighting a fire. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 4, at St. John Church, Hebron, with the Revs. Martin Nussbaum and David Ling officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held at from 3:30 to 9 p.m. today at Spangelo Funeral Home, Hebron, where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the funeral home, and one hour prior to services at the church.

George was born April 17, 1935, in Hebron the son of George Rudolph and Helen (Krawczyk) Raber. He was raised rural Hebron and educated at rural school. During his high school years he worked at Urban's Inc. In 1953, he graduated from Hebron High School and began working for O.C. Heinemeyer at Hebron Motors. He married Aloha Schmidt Aug. 8, 1959, at St. John Church in Hebron. In 1963, he and partner Don Bohnet bought the business and operated until 1991. George went to work on the Archie Wanner farm after getting out of the garage business. George was always active in civic affairs, he was a member of the Hebron Fire Department since 1963, and only missed one meeting in the 40-plus years of service. He was mayor of Hebron from 1966 to 1970, and rural fire chief from 1970 until the creation of the fire protection district. He was treasurer of the Hebron School from 1960 until 1975. In 1977, he was elected to the board of education, where he served many years. George in his spare time enjoyed hunting with friends north of Hebron, shooting trap at the gun club, or maybe getting a cup of coffee at the Wagon Wheel. George's heart failed while fighting a range fire southwest of Hebron on Saturday and died at the Richardton Health Center.

George is survived by his wife Aloha; one daughter, Lisa Raber, Elgin; one son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Rebecca, Fargo; one brother, Rudy (Lavern), St. Louis; one sister Evelyn Ziegler, Bismarck; and his sister-in-law, Edna Raber, Bismarck. He is also survived by Aloha's side of the family including his mother in law, Clara Schmidt, Hazen; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Gordon (Jo) Schmidt, Beulah, Lee (Mercedes) Schmidt, Devils Lake, Dell Kuk, Anchorage, Alaska; Nettie and Gene Metzger, Bismarck; Fred Schmidt, Burlington, Sharon Doffee, Bismarck, Orville Schmidt, Tucson, Ariz., Hilbert Schmidt Chicago, and Mylo Schmidt, Aurora, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ernie and an infant; one sister and two brothers-in-law, Marie and Earl Buck and Henry Ziegler; and father-in-law, Bill Schmidt.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Bismarck Tribune from Aug. 2 to Aug. 3, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for George Raber

11 Entries

Craig & Carol Kokkeler

September 9, 2004

On behalf of Carol and I we are so sorry to hear the lost of your loved one George. I can tell you he was quite the guy and involved in making good old Hebron the greatest place on earth to grow up and learn the meaning of friends and family. As a kid growing up in Hebron, George provided me the guidance a young fellow could admire. He was a mentor to me other young men as we grew up. I can tell you that he was one of the individuals in my life that made me decide to join the military and the importance in making a career of it and now 32 years later here I am. I will always maintain these great memories, scouting events, and the fact that he was one of Hebrons driving forces ensuring that we (kids) had things to do while growing up in Henron ND. It was like our own Mayberry USA. Our prayers go out to you and your family and may George Rest in Peace

Sonja Rue

August 8, 2004

Dear Aloha and Family,

I just read in Saturday's (8/7) The Forum about the loss of George. It hurts so very much to know his wonderful helping hands and smile will no longer be with us. I am so sorry and pray that you all will feel God's gentle guidance and comfort in the days ahead. He was my precious gift of the "big brother" I never had as he and his team of helpers worked in 1986 to prepare my dad's garage business in Glen Ullin for auction. He was truly my angel and will never be forgotten by this little "sister" Sonja.

Morris Duffy

August 6, 2004

I am sorry to here about your loss. I wish you strength in this time of sadness and offer my prayers. Thier is no doubt while reading about George that he died doing something he loved. Take Care and God Bless.

Morris Duffy

OPFD

Firefighter/Paramedic

Michael Weske

August 6, 2004

Dear Raber's

My name is Michael Weske from Moose Lake,MN Vol fire dept and would like to say sorry for the death in you family. It is a hard time in your family. just think of all the fun time that you had with George will he was with us.

My god be with you

Mike

Mugsy Kitzan

August 4, 2004

I will miss George popping his head into the kitchen at school. He always took the time for a quick visit with us, and asked how we were doing. He also drove Angela to many school events on the bus. Every time we pulled up to the school early in the morning for Speech meets when Lisa was coach, Angela would say " Oh cool, George is driving us today." He will be greatly missed by ALL of us. Our Sympathies to the family.

North Dakota Firefighter's Association

August 3, 2004

It is with deep regret that we learn of George's death. Firefighters are always giving of themselves to their communities without a lot of appreciation in return. George will be missed by many people.

Duane & Donna Hartwig

August 3, 2004

Dear Aloha & family,

Joan called this evening and said George had passed away. Can't imagine the heartache you are feeling right now. We pray that the love you shared with George be a source of healing during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort and hold you in the days ahead.

Michelle Kitzan

August 2, 2004

George will be missed by many people. He was always a caring and kind person. I enjoyed my many visits with him while I worked at the school in Hebron. My symapthies go out to the family during this difficult time.

Larry & Audrey Ouhl

August 2, 2004

Aloha, Lisa, Michael, Rebecca, and extended family members,

There is no way that we can say how very sorry we are that you have lost a husband, dad, brother-in-law, and friend. The town of Hebron grieves right along with you. We pray our Father God will comfort all of you and hold you close to His heart.

Sylvia Elder

August 2, 2004

We have really lost a true friend and he will be in our hearts forever. Our love goes to all the family left to grieve in their own way. A new day comes to us all and know our grief is will help to compensate for the loss.

Clarence and Sylvia Elder

Clyde and Holly Terras

August 2, 2004

We will always remember George as a person that was very caring and always wanting to help people. He drove our children to many school functions with the weather not always being the best. We never worried when we knew he was driving because he always got them home safely. When Lisa and I worked together at the Nursing Home, I had driven to work with her. When we started for home we were driving in a snow storm. I mentioned to Lisa, "What if we get stuck?" She replied to me, "Don't worry, Dad will come looking with Big Red." I never worried when I was riding with Lisa. George will be greatly missed by all.

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