Raymond Wilbert Raatikka

Raymond Wilbert Raatikka passed away on March 14, 2015 at the age of 95 years in Menahga, Minnesota from Congestive Heart Failure. Ray was born at home on August 7, 1919 on the family Century Farm in Sebeka, Minnesota to Olof and Selma Siltala Raatikka . He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances (Nohrenberg) Raatikka. The last survivor of his immediate family, Ray was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 8 sisters; E. Rudolph, Richard and Willard Raatikka, Mayme Jarvinen, Lillian Aho, Edna Preibe, Lila Lemke, Martha McReynolds, Agnes Paurus, Violet Pederson and Verna Dorenbush. After graduating from Sebeka High School, Ray stayed on the farm to help his parents as his only surviving brother had already joined the military. Ray was married to Frances Esther Nohrenberg July 30, 1949, for 43 years until her death in 1998 and was always introduced by her as; "My Wonderful Husband". It was the secret to getting him to do anything for her. Of course, Fran always kidded him that the only reason he finally popped the question was that it was threshing time and he needed a cook. They dairy farmed for many years, and also raised some sheep, hogs and chickens early in their married life. After retirement they enjoyed doing everything together, took many trips and delighted in working on the farm and gardens. Ray took up wood working. He would design and make the pieces and Fran would paint and finish them. At the age of 85, Ray took up a new and serious hobby of restoring tractors, even constructing a large and quite impressive, heated workshop that could hold all of his tractors in comfort and style. He was only interested in working on the best ones; John Deere and Oliver were his favorites. He fully restored four and some were featured in the Rollag Steam Thresher Days Tractor Event, driven by his son-in-law, Doug Owens. Being a rather handsome guy, it didn't take long for him to find a lovely woman for companionship. Bea Crabb was a life-long friend of the family, stand-in Grandmother and all around good egg! They liked to go out and do things together and were always there for each other. Ray was also very devoted to his faithful companion, Susie Q who was a miniature Dachshund rescue dog. When they were first introduced, neither of them very much liked the other and Dad referred to her as "that rat-like dog you need to come and get". But after a week, they bonded and he took her everywhere with him until her death several years ago. Ever the supportive husband, as a memorial, in 2004, Ray set up a permanent endowment in his wife's memory for years to come with The Frances E. Raatikka Nursing Scholarship Fund through Tri-County Hospital. This fund was established to support nurses working toward their Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. He knew that Fran would have been honored after her lifetime Nursing Career to be recognized in such a way. Raymond displayed quiet wisdom, gentle guidance and a strong work ethic . Although in many ways, a typical, reserved Finlander, he was a strong influence in the lives of his family. Ray is survived by three daughters; Barbara Pauna of West Fargo, ND; Jill Raatikka and her husband Doug Owens of Fargo, ND; Brenda Scott and her husband, Clyde Scott of Woodbury, MN; 4 grandchildren; Amanda Pauna of Lake Park, MN; Shannon Pauna of Moorhead, MN; Margaret Scott of Missoula, MT; Chloe Scott of Woodbury; cousins, nieces and nephews and his dear friend, Bea Crabb of Park Rapids and sister-in-law, Gladys Erickson of rural Sebeka, MN. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 21, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills, MN with visitation two hours prior to the service at the Church. Pastor Kirk Douglas will officiate. Cindy Becker will serve as organist. Special music will be provided by Peter Pellinen. Casketbearers include Douglas Owens, Clyde Scott, Margaret Scott, Douglas Koskiniemi, Jeremy Hultberg and Gregory Erickson. Inurnment will be at Sebeka West Cemetery at a later date. A special thanks to Dr John Pate and the dedicated nursing staff at Tri-County Hospital for their many years of excellent care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.