Richard Benjamin Raabe

Richard Benjamin Raabe, age 90, of Seymour, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Richard was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour. He was very active in church, loved to sing hymns, and was a faithful reader of the Bible throughout his life. Richard grew up in Montrose, South Dakota, helping on the farm. He was born on May 27, 1933, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Ben and Alvena (Raap) Raabe, both of whom preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Jean DeVries in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on August 19, 1956, and she survives in Seymour. They settled near Montrose and continued farming for 47 years. He tirelessly worked on the farm in the fields and with livestock. He loved the cows and tolerated the pigs. Richard always had a ready smile, sense of humor, quick wit, and showed kindness to everyone. He was also a voracious reader of history books, a big fan of North Carolina and Green Bay Packers, and was known to be a “baby whisperer” to his beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Richard was unfailingly polite and unconditionally loving to the end. He trusted his Lord Jesus as his Savior and reminded us: “The Lord works in mysterious ways”. He will be greatly missed by his family, who will be waiting to reunite with him in heaven. Mr. Raabe is also survived by his children: Julie (Kevin) Hawley, Scott (Joan) Raabe, Jeannie (Kurt) Fenneberg, and Amy (Dan) Sievert; grandchildren: Jen Knotts, Brett Hawley, Kyle Hawley, Emily Hawley, Kari Ellis, Ben Raabe, Josh Raabe, Nathan Sievert, and Holly Sievert; and great-grandchildren: Jackson Knotts, Will Knotts, Wes Knotts, Drew Knotts, Austin Hawley, Ayden Hawley, Harper Hawley, Cade Hawley, Hudson Hawley, Henry Hawley, Hattie Hawley, Hayes Hawley, Elouise Raabe, Wesley Raabe, and a baby girl and baby boy, soon to be born. Besides his parents, Richard was also preceded in death by two brothers: Don Raabe and Marvin Raabe; and four sisters: Marian Raabe, Marilyn Wicks, Mavis Dale, and Lois Stubbe. A private family service for Richard Benjamin Raabe will be held at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown. Interment will be at Montrose Cemetery, South Dakota. Following the burial, there will be fellowship at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Montrose, South Dakota, on Friday, July 14, 2023. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com

Richard Benjamin Raabe

May 27, 1933 - July 8, 2023