David Kenneth Raatz

David Kenneth Raatz was born to Emil and Bernice (Carson) Raatz on January 25, 1943. He grew up on a farm in Pipestone, attended country school through 7th grade, and graduated from Pipestone High School in 1961. Dave married Karen Arndt in 1962.
Dave started a 35-year career with the telephone company in 1963. He began as a lineman, climbing poles for Northwestern Bell Telephone in Luverne. Before long he transferred to Bloomington and settled in Shakopee with his family. Dave held the same job as construction supervisor while the company changed from Northwestern Bell to US West, Quest, and finally Century Link.
Dave enjoyed the outdoors. Camping went from a tent to a pop-up trailer to an RV, which took him to 48 of the 50 states. He was a fisherman, ball player, and golfer. The farmer in him kept a garden, and the handyman in him would tackle just about anything.
After retirement Dave worked at the Savage Auto Auction. He attended bible studies, volunteered at his church, and enjoyed time with the guys (geezers) at the coffee/donut shop.
Dave's family is thankful for the loving, supportive care Friendship Manor provided the last 2.5 years while he battled Parkinson's disease.
Survivors include his wife, Karen; son, Bruce; daughter, Kelly (Joe Witt); grandchildren, Katie (Travis) Heitzinger, Erin Ellingboe, and David Raatz (Kalley Denis), Marie Witt, and Julia Witt; 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jim (Doris) Raatz, Ron (Donna) Raatz, Dell (Dale) Williams. He was preceded in death by his son, Scott; and parents, Emil and Bernice.
Visitation Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10-11 AM, followed by Memorial Service at 11 AM, all at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2488 Vierling Drive East, Shakopee, MN. Livestream of the service will be available on the McNearney-Schmidt Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
A reception will follow, and then interment at Valley Cemetery in Shakopee.