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BORN
01/06/1924
DIED
05/06/2011
Robert Praetorius Obituary
(Age 87)
Peacefully died on May 6, 2011 in Odessa, WA in his sleep following an extended illness. Robert (Bob) was born January 6, 1924 in Odessa, WA to Seigfried (Zeke) and Sophie (Havlicak) Praetorius. Robert attended school in Odessa, graduating from Odessa High School in 1943. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and proudly served with the First Marine Division from 1943-1946. Robert was stationed in the South Pacific, spending time on Guadalcanal, Palau, Okinawa and in China. He earned a sharp shooter medal, and was discharged with the rank of Corporal. On October 20, 1950, Robert married Louella Iltz of Odessa. They lived in Odessa, farmed and raised a family, spending 60 years and 6 months together. Robert enjoyed traveling by motorhome, bird hunting, fishing and metal detecting. He was a member of the Odessa Heritage Church, a Charter member of the Odessa VFW, and a member of the Odessa Grange. He is survived by his wife Louella of Odessa, daughter Susan Ballo and husband, David of Kennewick, WA, son, Lee Praetorius and wife Debra of Odessa, WA and four grandchildren, Britney and Cody Praetorius of Odessa, and Erin and Spencer Ballo of Kennewick. He is preceded in death by his parents Seigfried (Zeke) and Sophie, and one brother Paul Praetorius. Graveside services, Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, WA with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 AM at the Heritage Church, Odessa, WA with Pastor Jon Hayashi, officiating. Memorials may be made to the Odessa Heritage Church, POB 509, Odessa, WA 99159, or the Odessa Healthcare Foundation, POB 368, Odessa, WA 99159. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA is caring for the family.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Praetorius
Tami McCoy-Iltz
May 16, 2011
Uncle Bob and Aunt Louella were such patient people, to allow me to spend my summers with them, working in the wheat fields, teaching me how to drive wheat truck . Some of my best memories of my childhood are in that house with them. He will surely be missed, Tami McCoy Iltz
May 13, 2011
Aunt Louella and family,
My memory of Uncle Bob as a kind, hardworking man. He always had something nice to say, no matter how busy, when I'd wander up to the shop. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Leslie, Steve and family
Judy Cowan
May 11, 2011
Dear Louella, I did not know about Bob's passing until this morning at 7:15 AM. It came as a bit of a shock. I'm so sorry that I was not able to be at the service but, please know that I was there with you and your family in Spirit. May God hold you in his hands and comfort you in this time of sorrow.
May 11, 2011
Dear Louella and family. I always remember how kind Bob was and he always looked so handsome. Whenever I saw him he would always ask how my family and I were doing. A very caring man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Vernita
May 10, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Barb Praetorius Rector
May 10, 2011
Uncle Bob will always be in my memories of growing up on the farm. His wave when he drove past the house, the conversations at harvest dinners and stopping in to say hi when home visiting after we had moved away. Keeping Aunt Louella, Susan, Lee and their families in thoughts and prayers.
May 9, 2011
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Robert L. Praetorius for your loss, to honor his service to our country and our patriotic hero.
June Jasman
May 9, 2011
My prays and thoughts go out to your family. God be with all of you.
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