Gregory Thomas Raab

Raab, Gregory Thomas Died on February 13, 2012, at the age of 77. Beloved father of Steven G. (Mitsuko) Raab of Austin, Texas; dearest friend and former husband of Kathleen (nee Runde) Raab of Milwaukee. He is also survived by many other close friends and relatives. Gregory studied at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and the Layton School of Art. He worked as a graphic artist at the Milwaukee Public Library and later at the Milwaukee Public Museum. A fine artist, Greg was lauded by the Milwaukee Journal's art editor, Donald Key in January, 1970. Reviewing his one-man show at the Charles Allis Art Library, Mr. Key wrote: "Raab's painting is surprisingly distinctive and consistent for a young artist making a debut." Noting the use of bright, pure color, Mr. Key wrote, "The happy arrangement of merry-go-round décor shows some Matisse influence, but Raab's work is more closely akin to the contemporary American hard edge painter and the strongly patterned abstractions of Clyfford Still and Robert Motherwell." Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 11, 1934. Greg loved his son, Steven, animals, music, Matisse, a well-made cocktail, and the natural world. Greg believed passionately in the need for beauty. He loved the arts: paintings, music, literature, poetry and film. Greg lived at the Milwaukee Catholic Home for the last four years. The family gratefully thanks the staff and residents of the Milwaukee Catholic Home for their friendship and many kindnesses shown toward Greg. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in Greg's name to the Hunger Task Force, 201 S. Hawley Court, Milwaukee, WI 53214; the Milwaukee Public Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233; the Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee WI 53233; the Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202 or the charity of your choice. A gathering will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the Feerick Funeral Home, from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM with a service beginning at 3:00 PM.