Glen E. Raber

Glen E. Raber Glen "Bud" E. Raber, 78, of Eagle, Idaho, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, at St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center. Glen "Bud" was born on April 10, 1930, in the small rural town of Carthage, S.D. to Royden and Ruth Raber. Growing up during the Depression years was at times difficult but Glen, his older brother Robert, and younger brother Neil, found adventure in hunting pheasants, fishing, playing various sports, and working on their Uncle Ed's farm. Glen and his family were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church. He attended Carthage schools and as a freshman was a member of the basketball team, choir, and also played the trombone in band. Following high school graduation in 1948, Glen enlisted in the United States Navy and was later called back to duty during the Korean War. He was stationed on the USS Frontier (AD25) and USS Lofberg (DD759). Glen was proud to serve his country and was honorably discharged in 1954. While on leave from the United States Navy and visiting friends in Madison, S.D., he met the love of his life Marlene Nordstrom, of Canova, S.D. Glen and Marlene were married June 12, 1955. After their marriage Glen attended General Beadle College (currently known as Dakota State College) in Madison, S.D., majoring in business. During these years, Glen and Marlene were blessed with three daughters; Roxanne, Janelle and Ingrid. They shared a wonderful marriage for 53 years. After college Glen started his career in the flooring and furniture industry, later owning and operating a flooring business. Retirement allowed Glen to spend many joyful and memorable moments with his five grandchildren; Taylor, Riley, Alexandra, Evan, and Erin. He supported them in any endeavor and always had words of wisdom and encouragement. He kept them entertained with his great storytelling abilities. Listening to music with Marlene was a favorite pastime of Glen's. Saturday nights were spent with Lawrence Welk followed by Billy Graham. Above all he loved classical music which included professional performances and recordings by both of his brothers, Neil and Robert. Glen also had a wonderful singing voice. Boise State University football games were never missed and he looked forward to each exciting game. He took pleasure in the simple life, such as the captivating view across the golf course that extended through to Shaffer Butte. He especially enjoyed watching the Canadian Geese with set wings as they approached the nearby pond at dusk. Changing seasons provided Glen with a variety of unending beauty to behold. Glen was always a gentleman, polite and considerate to everyone. He was a dedicated father and adoring husband who loved his family unconditionally. Glen led his life by example. Hard work, honesty, and respect were instilled in him at an early age. We were always proud to call you "Dad and Grandpa" and our hearts are full of love and admiration for you. We will never forget your smile or the twinkle in your eye. My dear husband, I will love you always and forever and take comfort in knowing that although life here is too short, one day we will all be together again. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. Glen's presence in his family's life will be greatly missed, he leaves behind and is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marlene, three daughters, Roxanne Raber-Buehler (Brad), Janelle Raber (Tate Witherspoon), Ingrid Raber, brother Neil Raber, and grandchildren Taylor Dickey, Riley Dickey, Alexandra Raber Witherspoon, Evan Dickey and Erin Raber Witherspoon, and numerous other extended family members. Glen was preceded in death by his parents, Royden and Ruth Raber and his brother, Capt. Robert Raber, Civil Engineer Corp, U.S. Navy, Retired. A viewing was held on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, at Summers Funeral Home, Ustick Chapel, Meridian, Idaho. Funeral services were held on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at 1 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies, 717 N. 11th Street, Boise, Idaho. Idaho State Veteran's military honor burial service took place at 3 p.m., at the Veteran's Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, Idaho.