David R. Raabe

David "Dave" R. Raabe, 77, peacefully passed away at the Watertown Health Center on May 4, 2025.
A funeral service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Farmington on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Joseph Fricke officiating. Visitation will take place at the church prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Family and friends may also pay their respects on Thursday evening, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown. Interment, with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 189, will follow the service at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.
David Richard Raabe was born on February 1, 1948, to parents Fred and Lydia (née Schroeder) Raabe on the family farm in Watertown, Wisconsin.
Dave proudly served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany and served as a driver for a colonel. On May 1, 1971, he was united in marriage to the former Karen Pagel at St John's Lutheran Church in Sullivan. Dave began his career at Hevi-Duty, later joining Voeltz Implement in Jefferson. He went on to operate his own business, Corner Repair where helped all the local neighbors and farmers by repairing cars and farm equipment, to even fabricating and painting tractors. He later on went to work at Cable Lite in Watertown. Dave was known for his strong work ethic and enjoyed taking on side jobs throughout his life.
An avid outdoorsman, Dave embraced every opportunity to be in nature, especially when deer hunting or bullhead fishing. He took pride in processing the meat from his hunts, a task he gladly took on himself. His commitment to conservation led him to help establish the Grelton Conservation Club. Dave's love of the outdoors was matched by his enthusiasm for classic cars including many cars and trucks over the years. He also looked forward to the excitement of local truck pulls.
Dave is survived by his three sons, Steve (Lori) Raabe, Kyle (Wendy) Raabe, and Codi (Heather) Raabe; grandchildren, Mackenzy, Desiree, Domonic, Jackson, and Paige; great-granddaughter, Maverick; sister-in-law, Rosie Trinko; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Karen; parents; and brother, Ralph Raabe.