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Duane Raschke Obituary
1932-2008Duane Dwight Raschke, 76, of Pensacola Florida, passed away 20 July 2008, after a long illness. Born on January 2, 1932, in Omaha, Nebraska, Duane was the youngest of six brothers and one sister. He is a veteran of the Korean Conflict. Soon after leaving the Air Force, he moved his family to Covina, California where he was employed as a Civil Engineer. In 1962 he was transferred to Jacksonville, Florida where he remained until 1976. He and, the love of his life, Shirley, moved to Temple City, California where they owned and operation the Key Coin and Stamp store. He later worked for the City of Los Angeles returning to his career as a Civil Engineer. After retirement in 2000, they moved to Pensacola, Florida.
He was an active member and former president of the Temple City Kiwanis. After moving to Pensacola, he continued with the Warrington Kiwanis where he was the sponsor for the Key Club at Escambia High School. Until his health declined, he was also a committee member for the newly formed Boy Scout Troop 692.
His love of the theater began with the San Gabriel Civic Light Opera in San Gabriel, California where he was on the Board of Trustees. It continued when he moved to Pensacola where he became active with the Pensacola Little Theatre as a member of the Treehouse Board. He was well known at both theatres for greeting the cast at the back stage door. His love of the theater even led him on-stage where he had parts in "South Pacific," "Will Rogers," "Gypsy," "City of Angels," and "1776."
Duane is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Shirley Raschke, and his two daughters, Cathy Neri (husband Mike) and Jacki Davis; his brother Jerry Raschke (wife Dorothy); and grandsons Todd Davis (wife Jill), Sean Neri, Brian Neri, and many other family members that loved him. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Rupert, Richard, Warren, and Robert Raschke, his sister Ruth Kullbom, and his grandson James Davis.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 29th, at 6:30PM, at the Unity Church, 716 North 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32501. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Hospice, who made his last days comfortable; to Unity Church of Pensacola for the love, spiritual support, and guidance they provided as he journeyed towards this new path; or the Pensacola Little Theatre.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Duane Raschke
Sponsored by Friends and Family.
William Brown
July 16, 2024
I remember Duane as my neighbor in Covina, Ca in 1957-1968, Great family man.. .. fond memories.
Jacki
July 20, 2022
You are always in my heart and I miss you. Love you!!
Jacki Raschke Davis
July 20, 2021
Love you Dad and miss you
Gypsy
January 2, 2016
Birthday candle for a uncle that will forever have a special place in my heart.
Jacki
January 2, 2016
Happy Birthday!
Cathy, Dad, and Jacki - Prom 1979
Jacki
January 2, 2016
James, Jacki, Mom and Dad in San Francisco
Jacki
January 2, 2016
Nannie, Dad, and Mom
Jacki
January 2, 2016
First house in Covina, CA
Jacki
January 2, 2016
Dad & Mom's wedding day
Jacki
January 2, 2016
Nadean Dooner-Dickey
August 3, 2015
Came across a card from you Shirley and wondered how you were-so sorry to see Duane had passed. I am still close friends with Chris Francisco. I am married to Bob Dickey who was the Asst City Manager in Rosemead! I'm on Facebook and hope you are well and enjoying your family.
January 2, 2015
Happy Birthday Daddy!
Bill Brown
June 4, 2013
Shirley.. This is bill brown your neighbor from Covina.. I was just a teenager when we lived there and now I am a senior myself.. My parents Jim and Maisie loved you two .. I know they lost track over the years and I was just seaching and found this .. I am so sorry for your loss and just wanted to say hello..
January 2, 2013
Happy Birthday!
October 4, 2012
Well, we only wait to wait five days and not the expected three weeks. Ethan James Davis arrived on October 2nd. All are doing well. He was born on Carol's ("Gypsy") birthday.
September 28, 2012
we are great grandparents again. Sophia arrived at 5-1/2 lbs.
she has dark hair just like our girls did. Now, to just wait 3 weeks for Todd & Jill's Ethan to arrive. See what we started?
Shirley
August 12, 2012
Yesterday was our 61st wedding anniversary. I still miss you so much but I got through the day all right. Next year, I will plan to do something fun. I love you always
Shirley
July 20, 2011
Today is 3 years and six hours since we lost you. I still feel you with me tho. Went to Barrancas today just to feel a little closer to you. I love you always.
Jacki
July 20, 2011
Love you and miss you!
June 14, 2011
We miss you so much!
~Jill
Jacki
January 2, 2011
It's the "anniversary" of your birth day... Love you and miss you
Shirley
July 23, 2010
We became great grandparents this week. Isabella Marie Neri arrived on July 21st (date in Germany) It was the 20th here.
June 4, 2010
I know that you were next to Brian last week when he graduated from Annaopolis. I did really well until the band started playing "Victory at Sea". I know how much you loved that music. I still miss you so very much even tho I know you are still with me in my heart - as you will always be.
Jacki
December 18, 2009
After all of Todd's hard work, he passed the PE Exam on his 1st try. Now he has those initials after his name.
Jacki
August 11, 2009
It's your anniversay!!! Thinking of you and missing you.
Jacki
December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas Dad!!! Today I see you in my mind sitting in your recliner watching us from heaven with a big smile on your face. We miss you, but we also know that you are always in our heart.
Tivey Iwanowski Dobbs
August 15, 2008
Dear Jacki and Family,
I'm sure you are all feeling a great loss. I remember Mr. Raschke always having a smile on his face and kind words for all of us "kids". Your home in Jacksonville was a great place to be! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time and a big hug to Mrs. Raschke.
Anna Lohr
August 13, 2008
Shirley,
I found out from Carol Parker that Duane had passed. So sorry to hear he is no longer with us......we send our thoughts and prayers from Guam where we are living right now. We miss him from afar.....
Cathy & Mike Neri
August 9, 2008
A video tribute to Duane can be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/5d5cy2
Allen J. Clements
August 9, 2008
Dear Shirley Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless both of you.
Petra & AJ Clements
Lillian Mason
August 6, 2008
Mrs. Raschke, Cathy, Jacki, and family,
My Jesus wrap His loving arms around you all and comfort you during this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love, Lillian
Sharon Vasconcelos
August 3, 2008
Dear Shirley, Jacki & Kathy,
Ken and I are so sorry for your loss. We are lucky to have met you all and your families.
We do have the greatest and fondest memory of your wonderful hospitality and opened your home to us when we were on the road with Mayflower. You are truly in or hearts and I know Duane loved you all very much.
God be with you.
Ken and Sharon
Don Foster
July 31, 2008
Dear Shirley, Jacki & Cathy, Our hearts are heavy but we do know he is with The Lord. We have so many wonderful memories of our fun times together, San Gabriel CLO, adventures at special Olympics, times just spent together as family and friends. We will never forget him and our home is always open to all of you should you return to California. Love Hugs Blessings
Don and Kay Foster
Sue (Pope) Morris
July 29, 2008
Shirley,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish we lived closer so I could give you a big hug. My thoughts are with you
Your cousin
Cindy Ridenour
July 27, 2008
Mrs. Raschke, Jacki and Cathy:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So many will miss the twinkle in his eyes, his quick wit, his ability to quiz your brain when you least expected it, his ability to remind you of breaking light bulbs in his house every time you saw him, but the most memorable, his outward love for Mrs. Raschke and his girls. He has always been a very special man to so many. He and you, Mrs. R, were just the example I needed back in the 70’s. You showed me what marriage and family should be all about. You taught me so much about good marriages, respect, morals, good character, the importance to never stop learning and always have lots of fun. Thank you for the time spent with your family! I love you all!
linda raschke/freeman
July 27, 2008
Duane was my Godfather, uncle, and friend. We will miss his bear hugs but James, and family are enjoying them now on the other side. I am sure he will save us one. Shirley, Jacki, and Cathy I love you all. My prayers I send to help you in this sad journey. love linda
Christine Kozik
July 27, 2008
Mrs. Raschke,
May God bless you in this time of sorrow. Your husband will be dearly missed.
Will Larrimore
July 27, 2008
Dear Shirley and family,
My prayers are with you and your family. Duane was such a loving man and brought a sense of humour and happiness to everyone he touched. You have been so lucky to have him for all these years and share such a wonderful life.
My memories of Duane were always ones that left a smile on my face. I will never forget the first time I met him at your home in Jacksonville. He made me the subject of his famous "sliding the egg thru the door" routine whereby I was left in a precarious position with the egg on one side of the door and me on the other. I was totally embarrased - Duane could not stop laughing!
But that was Duane - great sense of humour and very loving towards his family and friends!
I will pray that his spirit and soul enter the kingdom of God and be reunited with all those who passed before him.
Patty Campioni
July 26, 2008
Dear Jacki and Family,
I'm praying that God will give you all peace and comfort as you grieve the passing of your Dad. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
Samuel Pang
July 24, 2008
Dear Shirley,
"Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of His godly ones." (Psalms 116: 15)
Am proud to be your friend!
Emmanuel,
Sam
Cheryl Abdelnour Joseph
July 24, 2008
Jackie and family,
My deepest sympathies at the loss of your Dad. Please extend my condolences to your Mom and Cathy. Your Dad always had a smile on his face. Let me know if I can do anything, and I'll see you in Jax.
Debrah Raschke
July 24, 2008
I will sorely miss my Uncle D.—our conversations, both serious and light, our meanderings through politics and religion, his teasing, his making me laugh when I was down—but, most of all, I will miss his love. As my godfather, Uncle D. has always been there for me throughout my life, but particularly after Mom died, he has been such a strength for me.
That's our DAD!!
July 24, 2008
Harriet Raschke
July 23, 2008
Dear Shirley, Jackie, Cathy,
We were saddened to hear of Duane's passing. We have indelible memories of you all when Art was stationed in Jacksonville. You made a wonderful difference to two people who were lonely for family. Duane and Art hit it off so well and with so much love. We will miss him. I have added you to our church prayer list and, of course, You have Art's and my prayers with you as well.
Love,
Harriet and Art Raschke
The Florida Raschke's)
Valerie (Cookie) Larkins
July 23, 2008
Jacki,
May God keep you close at this time of your loss. Offering a heartfelt prayer in sympathy today that God will bless and comfort you in His own loving way.
Rebecca Wengrow Fixel
July 23, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mary-Lou and David Boyer
July 23, 2008
Dear Raschkes,
You are always in our hearts, especially right now. Duane was an "essential" part of Shirley's and the girls lives, and because Shirley was an "essential" part of ours, so was Duane. And we too, mourn his loss. Also his generous good will and friendliness, which made him "an essential" in Pensacola, too.
Curtis and Eileen Brotherton
July 23, 2008
Duane was such a special man...Curtis and I knew him through Kiwanis meetings and conventions, and also through Pensacola Little Theatre functions...Shirley, Duane added a spark of specialness to anything that he endeavored. He will be missed by all that knew him. God Bless You and Yours At This Time of Your Great Loss.
Much Love To You, Shirley
Eileen and Curtis Brotherton
Henry Ray Wengrow
July 23, 2008
May you find comfort with all the mourners. I am a friend from your life in Jacksonville, and your hearts were always open to my family. Y'all know the secreat of true friendship.
Lynn Duncan
July 23, 2008
Jacki (and family),
You have my sincere sympathy on the loss of your father. He was a special person to many, especially his family, and I know you will miss him.
I am here for you and ready to help in any way I can. Please let me know what you need.
Lynn
Patricia Hicks
July 23, 2008
I have always enjoyed the time spent with Duane at the theater. He never failed to bring a smile to all who knew him. I am sorry for the loss to Shirley and her family, as well as to all of us. I send my love. Pat
Ramona Hicks
July 22, 2008
I am devastated by our loss. I so enjoyed Duane's company at the table during Studio 400 shows and our lunch get togethers. Those lunches will never be the same. Much love to you, Shirley!
Love,
Ramona
Mary Long
July 22, 2008
Jacki & Family,
We were saddened by the news of your father's passing. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. We are here if you need us. Love, Jeff, Mary, Amanda, & MeMe.
Jack cristwell
July 22, 2008
A great lost to the kiwanis and children of the world. Duane was one of the finest men I know. God be with you.
Lia Ramsey
July 22, 2008
Uncle Duane will always be in my heart. He was a joy to be around and a light in my heart. He cracked me up with his antics and gave me a reason to smile. I will never forget that (despite his sickness) when I came to visit last month he was quick to pelt me with dog toys, I would look around to give him a dirty look, and he would just sit there and smile. I feel honored that I was able to have and know Duane in my life.
Merilu Rose
July 22, 2008
We were so blessed to have known Duane, even for such a short time. He enriched all of our lives. We will miss you. Bless you.
Our love to you Shirley and family.
Merilu and Rufus
Harry and Twana Hall
July 22, 2008
Duane had so much love and kindness to share. He was such a caring spirit. We only wish we had known him longer. We miss him so much.
Auriette Lindsey
July 22, 2008
Duane and Shirley have been fixtures here at Pensacola Little Theatre. Until he became too ill, he still came to the theatre to usher and help as he was able. Shirley, your PLT family is mourning with you, and please know that our thoughts and hearts are with you.
Ken and Marilyn Shugart
July 22, 2008
Duane was a kind, loving, and courageous soul. To us, he will always be the "honorable delegate from North Carolina," and a wonderful friend. Love to you, Shirley, and the family.
Jean / Johnnie Odom
July 22, 2008
A pleasure to have known this gracious man. Full of fun and creative ideas. He will be sorely missed. A wonderful couple our hearts go out to dear Shirley and her family. Jean and Johnnie Odom :)
Stephen Lott
July 22, 2008
I first got to know Duane, while doing the play Anne of Green Gables, at Pensacola Little Theatre. He met the cast every night at the stage door dressed in different tuxedo, he made us feel special and welcome. That was his gift, opening his big heart to others and welcoming them in. We worked together for several years on the board of Treehouse Theatre, as we shared a passion for children and theatre. Duane and I also shared a love of Disney, we both collected Classic Disney figurines. He identified himself with Snow White's Grumpy. Well, if he was grumpy, I never saw that side, but if he had a gruff side, it's important to remember that Grumpy was the first to jump to Snow's rescue, and that was Duane: first to be there when you needed him. I will always associate him more with his love of butterflies, a symbol of loving the moment, and of transformation. I know his sould is now free of it's earth bound cacoon, and flies truely free. Duane was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.
July 22, 2008
SINCERE SYMPATHY TO ALL WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF OUR PATRIOT.
Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #566 & LAMOPH Unit #566 Pensacola FL
Vicki Baroco
July 22, 2008
Duane was one of the finest men I've ever known. He always made me smile and feel special. He will be missed by all of us. God has another good one!
Love you, Shirley
Always,
Vicki
Rodney Walker
July 22, 2008
Blessed Spirit,
I'm really going to miss seeing those shining, smiling eyes and the warm and loving hugs of the man who came to be my favorite "Grumpa."
If ever there was a man in whom one could clearly see Christ Light shine, it was Duane. I love him. I bless him. I rejoice to release him to his continued Spiritual Journey.
I walk the Prayerful Path with "Nannie," and all of Duane's family and friends.
And for this I say, "Thank you, Father/Mother/God!"
And so it is. Amen.
VIRGINIA PAGE, PLTG PRESIDENT
July 22, 2008
A GREAT LOSS TO THE THEATRE COMMUNITY OF PENSACOLA...A LOVELY GENTLE MAN WHO WILL BE MISSED BY THE PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE GUILD...OUT PRAYERS GO TO HIS FAMILY.
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